CVE-2017-0460 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm networking 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-31252965. References: QC-CR#1098801.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0460 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's networking driver implementation that exists in Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level and allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges to kernel context, effectively bypassing Android's security model. The issue is classified as High severity because it requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, which serves as a prerequisite for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Qualcomm networking driver component, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. This flaw directly impacts the integrity of Android's security architecture by enabling code execution with the highest system privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the Qualcomm networking driver processes specific input parameters or memory operations within the kernel space. Attackers can exploit this weakness by first compromising a privileged process, which then serves as a launching point for executing malicious code that leverages the kernel-level vulnerability. The flaw typically manifests through improper bounds checking or memory corruption mechanisms that allow an attacker to manipulate kernel memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which describes weaknesses related to improper handling of memory, specifically when buffer overflows or memory corruption occurs in kernel space. The exploitation process requires careful crafting of input data that triggers the vulnerable code path, ultimately leading to privilege escalation and kernel code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0460 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security boundaries that protect Android devices from malicious code execution. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to bypass Android's security mechanisms, potentially gaining access to sensitive device data, modifying system files, or installing persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, which were widely deployed across numerous Android devices from 2015 through 2017. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and demonstrates how attackers can leverage kernel-level flaws to gain system-level control. The impact is especially severe in enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain sensitive corporate data, as successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0460 primarily involve applying security patches from Qualcomm and Android security teams, which typically include kernel updates that address the specific memory handling flaws. Device manufacturers should prioritize rapid deployment of security updates to affected devices, particularly those running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce timely security patching and monitor for signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level drivers, specifically around input validation and memory management. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of device components and maintain awareness of Qualcomm security advisories. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires a compromised privileged process to function, making detection more challenging but not impossible through behavioral analysis.