CVE-2017-0508 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the kernel ION subsystem could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require reflashing the operating system to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-33940449.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2017
The CVE-2017-0508 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android kernel's ION subsystem, which serves as a memory management framework for allocating and managing shared memory buffers across various kernel components. This vulnerability specifically affects Android devices running kernel version 3.18 and creates a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges from user space to kernel space, fundamentally compromising the device's security model. The ION subsystem's design allows for efficient memory management across different hardware components including graphics, camera, and multimedia processors, but this particular flaw enables unauthorized code execution within the privileged kernel context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the ION driver's memory allocation and deallocation functions. When a malicious application attempts to manipulate ION memory buffers through crafted system calls, the kernel fails to properly validate the memory operations, creating a condition where arbitrary code can be executed with kernel-level privileges. This flaw operates at the kernel level and leverages the inherent trust model of the Android operating system, where legitimate kernel components are expected to function without malicious interference. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no user interaction or external attack vectors, as the malicious application already exists within the device's trusted execution environment.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a permanent compromise of the device's security posture. Once exploited, the malicious code can modify critical kernel components, disable security features, and establish persistent backdoors that survive device reboots. This permanent compromise necessitates full system reinstallation or reflashing to restore device integrity, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices where users may not have easy access to recovery mechanisms. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects its potential for complete device takeover, as demonstrated by various exploitation techniques that have been documented in the security research community. The impact is consistent with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" vulnerabilities where improper exception handling leads to privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0508 focus primarily on timely patching and system updates from device manufacturers, as the vulnerability requires kernel-level fixes that cannot be addressed through application-level security measures alone. Organizations should implement immediate security assessments to identify devices running vulnerable kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment. The remediation process involves updating the Android kernel to versions that include proper input validation and memory management controls within the ION subsystem. Security professionals should also monitor for exploitation attempts through system logs and implement device monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel-level activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and demonstrates how kernel-level vulnerabilities can be leveraged for persistent access and complete system compromise. Device manufacturers and security teams must maintain continuous vigilance for similar vulnerabilities in other kernel subsystems and ensure comprehensive testing of memory management components to prevent similar privilege escalation scenarios.