CVE-2017-0458 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm camera 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-3.18. Android ID: A-32588962. References: QC-CR#1089433.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0458 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm camera driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.18. This weakness resides in the kernel-level camera driver implementation and creates 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 then serves as the initial foothold for the more dangerous kernel-level exploitation. The Android ID A-32588962 and Qualcomm's internal reference QC-CR#1089433 indicate this issue was tracked through both Android security frameworks and Qualcomm's internal vulnerability management systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of kernel memory operations within the camera driver's code structure, specifically involving buffer management and privilege validation mechanisms. When a malicious application gains access to a privileged process, it can leverage this initial compromise to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities within the camera driver's kernel module. This exploitation allows the attacker to bypass standard kernel security controls and execute code with the highest level of system privileges, effectively granting complete control over the device's kernel space operations. The vulnerability's nature aligns with CWE-119 which addresses memory corruption issues, and more specifically with CWE-269 which deals with improper privilege management in kernel modules. The attack surface is particularly concerning as camera drivers are frequently accessed by applications and often run with elevated privileges necessary for hardware interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation enables attackers to gain complete system control and access to all kernel-level resources. Once the kernel code execution is achieved, the malicious actor can manipulate system memory, modify kernel modules, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the device's operating system. This capability allows for complete data exfiltration, system modification, and the establishment of covert communication channels that can persist across device reboots. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the attacker to first compromise a privileged process, which aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 for Local Privilege Escalation and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The attack chain typically involves initial compromise of a legitimate application with camera access permissions, followed by exploitation of the camera driver vulnerability to achieve kernel-level code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0458 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android security teams, which typically involve kernel updates and driver modifications that address the specific memory handling flaws in the camera driver component. System administrators should implement strict application permission controls and monitor for unauthorized camera access requests, particularly those that occur in suspicious contexts or from untrusted applications. The recommended approach includes applying the latest security updates from device manufacturers, enabling kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) where available, and implementing runtime application security controls that can detect and prevent suspicious kernel-level memory operations. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel-level security in mobile operating systems and the necessity for comprehensive security testing of all kernel modules, particularly those that interface with hardware components like camera drivers.