CVE-2017-0454 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm audio driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as High because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-33353700. References: QC-CR#1104067.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0454 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's audio driver implementation that operates at the kernel level. This weakness specifically affects Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement for an attacker to first compromise a privileged process, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the serious implications of successful exploitation. The issue was originally reported through Qualcomm's internal tracking system under QC-CR#1104067 and subsequently identified by Android security teams as A-33353700.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in how the Qualcomm audio driver handles certain input parameters or memory operations within the kernel space. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the audio subsystem, it can potentially trigger a buffer overflow, integer overflow, or other memory corruption issues that allow execution of arbitrary code within the kernel context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management, and specifically relates to improper handling of input data that leads to memory corruption. The kernel-level execution context provides attackers with unprecedented access to system resources, enabling them to modify critical system files, disable security mechanisms, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Android devices that rely on kernel-level protections. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they can bypass all standard Android security controls including application sandboxing, SELinux policies, and other runtime protections. This vulnerability particularly affects devices where Qualcomm's proprietary audio drivers are integrated into the Android kernel, making it widespread across numerous smartphone and tablet models from various manufacturers. The exploitation requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, which could occur through various attack vectors including phishing, malicious app installation, or other pre-existing vulnerabilities, but the kernel-level privilege escalation capability makes the subsequent attack extremely dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0454 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android security teams. Organizations and device users should prioritize updating their systems to versions that include fixed audio driver implementations and kernel modifications. The patching process typically involves updating the Android security patch level to a version that addresses the specific memory handling issues within the Qualcomm audio driver. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for unusual kernel-level activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider monitoring for suspicious behavior patterns that might indicate kernel-level compromise, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and kernel-mode operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of audio driver versions and kernel integrity to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.