CVE-2017-0521 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-3.10, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-32919951. References: QC-CR#1097709.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0521 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm camera driver component of Android operating systems. This issue affects kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these kernel versions across various mobile devices. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, which provides attackers with the most privileged execution context possible, enabling them to potentially gain complete system control. The flaw specifically resides in how the camera driver handles certain input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious code execution with kernel-level privileges. According to the Android security advisory A-32919951, this vulnerability requires an initial compromise of a privileged process as a prerequisite, which aligns with the high severity rating assigned to the issue.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a kernel-mode buffer overflow or similar memory corruption issue within the Qualcomm camera driver implementation. Attackers would typically need to first gain access to a legitimate application running with elevated privileges, then leverage the driver flaw to escalate their privileges to kernel level. The attack vector likely involves crafting malicious input data that triggers improper memory handling within the camera driver's kernel module. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or potentially CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows. The vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous nature of kernel-level flaws where a single compromised application can potentially lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0521 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges. This capability enables malicious actors to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, disable security features, and potentially access all user data stored on the device. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a local attack vector, meaning the attacker must already have some level of access to the device, but once successful, the consequences are severe. The fact that this affects kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18 means that numerous Android devices manufactured between 2014 and 2017 could be vulnerable, creating a substantial attack surface. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters for execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0521 primarily focus on patching the affected Qualcomm camera driver components through official Android security updates. Device manufacturers and carriers must urgently deploy the relevant security patches that address the kernel-level flaw in the camera driver implementation. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from their manufacturers, as these patches typically involve modifications to how the camera driver processes input data and handles memory allocation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of privilege separation and least-privilege principles in mobile security architectures. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual kernel-level activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, and organizations should consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic security updates. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the necessity for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling multimedia input, as these components often represent high-value targets for exploitation.