CVE-2017-0544 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in CameraBase could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code. This issue is rated as High because it is a local arbitrary code execution in a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-31992879.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0544 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the CameraBase component of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the camera subsystem and affects multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability is classified as High severity due to its potential for local arbitrary code execution within a privileged process, which fundamentally undermines the security boundaries that protect system integrity.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls within the CameraBase service, which operates with elevated privileges to manage camera functionality across the device. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this vulnerability, it can manipulate the camera subsystem to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the CameraBase service. This privilege escalation occurs through a combination of improper bounds checking and insufficient sandboxing mechanisms that should normally prevent untrusted applications from accessing privileged system components. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the system handles certain camera parameters and initialization sequences, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to bypass normal security restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a pathway for local attackers to gain system-level privileges without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. Once exploited, the malicious application can perform actions such as installing additional malware, modifying system files, accessing sensitive user data, or even disabling security features. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local execution privileges, meaning any application with basic user permissions can potentially exploit this flaw. This makes it a prime target for malware authors who can leverage it to establish persistent backdoors or escalate their privileges within compromised devices. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the core security model of Android's application sandboxing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0544 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates. Device manufacturers must ensure timely deployment of these patches through their update mechanisms, as the vulnerability affects multiple Android versions that may still be in use. System administrators and security professionals should implement additional monitoring to detect suspicious camera service behavior and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting camera permissions for applications that do not require such access. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is crucial to maintain updated security configurations and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts before they can be leveraged by malicious actors.