CVE-2017-0496 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in Setup Wizard could allow a local malicious application to temporarily block access to an affected device. This issue is rated as Moderate because it may require a factory reset to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1. Android ID: A-31554152.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0496 represents a significant denial of service flaw within the Android Setup Wizard component that affects multiple versions of the operating system including 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, and 6.0.1. This issue resides in the system's initial configuration process where users are guided through device setup procedures, making it a critical entry point for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as moderate severity stems from its ability to render devices temporarily unusable while requiring a factory reset to restore normal functionality, indicating the severity of impact on user experience and device accessibility. The Android ID A-31554152 further contextualizes this issue within the broader Android security framework and vulnerability tracking system.
The technical flaw manifests through a specific weakness in how the Setup Wizard handles certain input validation or state management during the device provisioning process. While the exact implementation details remain undisclosed in the public CVE description, such vulnerabilities typically involve improper handling of user inputs, inadequate error checking, or race conditions that allow malicious applications to manipulate the setup flow. This allows a locally installed application with appropriate privileges to interfere with the normal operation of the setup wizard, potentially causing the device to become unresponsive or locked in an unusable state. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires the attacker to already have some level of access to the device, typically through installation of a malicious application or through other local compromise methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0496 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass significant user experience degradation and potential device recovery complications. When exploited, the vulnerability can effectively lock users out of their devices during critical setup phases, forcing them to perform factory resets which results in data loss and inconvenience. This type of denial of service attack particularly affects new device users or those performing factory resets, as the setup wizard is a fundamental component that must function correctly for device usability. The requirement for factory reset recovery places additional burden on users and system administrators, particularly in enterprise environments where device provisioning and deployment processes may be automated or standardized. From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a vector that could be exploited to disrupt device availability, potentially affecting user productivity and device security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0496 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating affected Android devices to patched versions that address the specific setup wizard vulnerability, typically through official security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across their device fleets. Additionally, security awareness training for users can help prevent installation of untrusted applications that may exploit such vulnerabilities. From a defensive standpoint, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual setup wizard behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses improper access to memory locations and improper handling of input validation, and may relate to ATT&CK technique T1064 which covers the creation of persistent execution mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing device hardening measures that restrict local application privileges and monitor for unauthorized modifications to system components during setup processes, as this vulnerability specifically targets the device provisioning phase where users typically grant broad application permissions.