CVE-2017-0523 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm Wi-Fi 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: N/A. Android ID: A-32835279. References: QC-CR#1096945.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0523 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness exists in the kernel-level implementation of wireless networking functionality and creates a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges from user-level execution to full kernel-level access. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement for an attacker to first compromise a privileged process, which then serves as the initial foothold for the kernel exploitation phase. The Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver operates at a privileged level within the Android architecture, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain system-level control. The issue manifests specifically within the wireless networking subsystem where improper input validation and memory management practices create opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The Android ID A-32835279 and Qualcomm's internal reference QC-CR#1096945 indicate this vulnerability was tracked through both Android security channels and Qualcomm's internal vulnerability management systems. This flaw directly relates to CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of remote services and local privilege escalation. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves specific weaknesses within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver's kernel module that handles wireless network communications. Attackers can leverage this flaw by first gaining access to a privileged process, which then provides the necessary conditions for triggering the privilege escalation mechanism. The exploit typically involves manipulating kernel data structures or memory regions that are normally protected from user-space access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a sophisticated understanding of kernel memory layout and driver behavior, as the attack vector must bypass existing kernel security mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigations. The flaw likely stems from improper validation of parameters passed to kernel functions or inadequate access control checks within the driver's implementation. The specific nature of the vulnerability suggests it may involve buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or improper privilege checks that allow user-level code to manipulate kernel memory or execute privileged operations. The requirement for an initial compromise of a privileged process indicates that the vulnerability may be part of a multi-stage attack approach where the attacker first needs to establish a foothold before attempting kernel-level exploitation. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the context of advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers invest significant effort to establish initial access before pursuing more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0523 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise capabilities for attackers who can successfully exploit the vulnerability. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they can bypass all operating system security controls, access any system resource, modify critical system files, and potentially install persistent backdoors. The implications for mobile device security are particularly severe given that mobile platforms like Android are increasingly used for enterprise and sensitive data processing. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to extract confidential information, monitor communications, and maintain persistent access to compromised devices. The targeted nature of the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver means that affected devices would include a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets that utilize Qualcomm's wireless networking hardware. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Wi-Fi driver operates continuously in the background, providing persistent access points for exploitation attempts. Organizations using affected devices face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, especially in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Qualcomm hardware components means that the potential impact spans across numerous device models and manufacturers, creating a broad attack surface that security teams must address.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0523 require a multi-layered approach addressing both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the relevant security patches and updates provided by Qualcomm and Android security teams, which typically include kernel-level fixes and driver updates that address the specific privilege escalation mechanisms. Device administrators should implement strict application vetting processes to prevent malicious applications from gaining the initial privileged access required for exploitation. Network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous wireless behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel-level network activity. The implementation of exploit mitigation techniques such as kernel module signing, code integrity checks, and runtime application control can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider device hardening measures including disabling unnecessary wireless features, implementing mobile device management solutions, and establishing comprehensive incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should focus on kernel components and driver implementations to identify similar weaknesses that may exist in the broader system architecture. The vulnerability's nature suggests that attackers may attempt to exploit it through social engineering campaigns or supply chain attacks that compromise privileged applications before attempting kernel-level exploitation, making user education and application security critical components of the overall defense strategy. Security teams should also monitor for related vulnerabilities in similar driver implementations and maintain awareness of potential indirect exploitation paths that could leverage the same underlying architectural weaknesses.