CVE-2017-0527 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the HTC Sensor Hub 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-33899318.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The CVE-2017-0527 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the HTC Sensor Hub Driver component of Android operating systems. This vulnerability exists in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the core system components that manage hardware sensor data processing. The sensor hub driver serves as a bridge between hardware sensors and the Android system, handling data collection and processing for various device sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the driver's kernel space implementation, creating a pathway for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness by first compromising a privileged process, which then provides the necessary foothold to escalate privileges and gain kernel-level access. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how driver-level flaws can create persistent security risks. The issue is particularly concerning because it requires only local execution privileges to initiate the attack chain, making it accessible to applications that have already gained some level of system access.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0527 involves leveraging specific kernel driver interfaces that handle sensor data processing and communication. When a malicious application interacts with the sensor hub driver through improper input parameters or malformed sensor data, it can trigger memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution within kernel context. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-mode operations and system-level access. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that typically separate user-space applications from kernel-space operations, allowing for complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it provides persistent access to the device's core functionalities, potentially enabling data theft, system modification, or further exploitation of other system components. The attack vector requires that an attacker already possesses some level of system privileges, but the subsequent privilege escalation can lead to full device compromise, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where applications might be granted elevated permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0527 is significant across multiple threat scenarios and attack surfaces. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that can escalate from simple application-level access to complete system control. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices may be compromised through various attack vectors, including phishing, malicious applications, or other initial compromise techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access encrypted data, and potentially spread to other connected systems. The kernel-level access provided by this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate core system components, modify security policies, and establish stealthy persistence mechanisms that are difficult to detect and remove. The vulnerability also impacts device integrity and trust models, as it allows attackers to effectively bypass Android's security architecture and gain access to sensitive information that should remain protected. Organizations using affected Android devices face substantial risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments handling sensitive or classified information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0527 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation is to apply the latest security patches and updates from HTC and Google, which typically include kernel updates and driver modifications that address the specific memory handling flaws. System administrators should implement strict application vetting processes to prevent unauthorized applications from gaining elevated privileges, as this vulnerability requires initial compromise of a privileged process to exploit. Device hardening measures including disabling unnecessary sensor services, implementing application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity can help reduce the attack surface. Network security controls should include monitoring for unusual data flows that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around sensor data processing and system call patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious behavior. The vulnerability's classification as High severity indicates that immediate action is required, as the risk of exploitation increases with the prevalence of mobile devices in enterprise environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues in other system components, particularly focusing on driver-level vulnerabilities that could provide similar privilege escalation paths.