CVE-2017-0537 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the kernel USB gadget driver could enable a local malicious application to access data outside of its permission levels. This issue is rated as Moderate because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-31614969.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0537 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the Android kernel's USB gadget driver implementation. This issue manifests as a privilege escalation vector that allows local malicious applications to bypass normal access controls and retrieve data that should be restricted to higher privilege levels. The vulnerability specifically affects Android devices running kernel version 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this kernel version across various Android device implementations. The Android ID A-31614969 further contextualizes this issue within the Android security framework, indicating it was properly tracked and addressed by Google's security team.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the USB gadget driver subsystem. When a malicious application attempts to interact with USB gadget interfaces, the kernel fails to properly enforce permission boundaries, allowing unauthorized data access patterns. This flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that even if an application cannot directly access restricted memory regions, the USB gadget driver's insufficient validation permits data leakage through indirect access methods. The vulnerability's classification as Moderate reflects the requirement for initial compromise of a privileged process, but this prerequisite does not diminish its potential impact on system security.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a dangerous attack surface for local adversaries who can leverage the USB gadget driver to extract sensitive information from the device. The attack chain typically begins with compromising a privileged process or application that has elevated permissions, then using the USB gadget driver's information disclosure flaw to access data outside the normal application sandbox. This could potentially expose user credentials, personal data, or sensitive system information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's presence in kernel 3.18 makes it particularly concerning as this version was widely deployed across multiple Android device generations, potentially affecting millions of devices.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1056.001, "Input Injection: Data Injection." The mitigation strategies should focus on kernel-level patching and system updates to address the USB gadget driver implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to versions that contain the necessary kernel patches, while also implementing monitoring for suspicious USB gadget driver activity. Additionally, application developers should ensure their USB-related code properly validates inputs and implements appropriate access controls to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in user-space applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions and proper access control enforcement throughout the Android security model.