CVE-2017-0491 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Package Manager could enable a local malicious application to prevent users from uninstalling applications or removing permissions from applications. This issue is rated as Moderate because it is a local bypass of user interaction requirements. Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32553261.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0491 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Android's Package Manager component that undermines the fundamental security model of the operating system. This weakness allows a locally installed malicious application to bypass normal user interaction requirements and gain unauthorized control over application management functions. The issue manifests specifically within Android versions ranging from 4.4.4 through 7.1.1, affecting a substantial portion of the mobile ecosystem during that period. The vulnerability's classification as Moderate severity reflects its requirement for local execution but its potential to bypass essential security controls that typically prevent such unauthorized actions.
The technical implementation of this flaw resides in the Package Manager's insufficient validation mechanisms when processing application installation and modification requests. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious applications that leverage the improper access control checks within the system's package management framework. The vulnerability specifically enables malicious actors to prevent users from uninstalling applications or removing permissions from applications, effectively creating a persistent backdoor within the device's application management system. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the user's ability to maintain control over their device's software environment.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to both individual users and enterprise environments where device security is paramount. The ability to prevent application uninstallation creates a persistent threat vector that can maintain malware presence even when users attempt to remove malicious software. The permission removal bypass capability compounds this risk by allowing attackers to maintain elevated privileges and access to sensitive device functions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically maps to the ATT&CK technique T1068, involving the use of elevated privileges to maintain persistence. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation requires only the ability to install an application on the target device, which can be achieved through various social engineering tactics or pre-existing compromised applications.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0491 primarily focus on system updates and patch management, with Google releasing security updates that address the access control bypass in subsequent Android versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that include regular security patching and application vetting procedures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date mobile security controls and demonstrates how flaws in core system components can create persistent threats that extend beyond initial exploitation. Security teams should monitor for applications that exhibit unusual behavior related to package management and implement network-level controls to prevent unauthorized application installation. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation in system-level components, as failures in these areas can create persistent security risks that undermine user trust and device integrity. The issue also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of core operating system components, particularly those involved in privilege management and user access controls.