CVE-2017-0545 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Audioserver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. This issue is rated as High because it could be used to gain local access to elevated capabilities, which are not normally accessible to a third-party application. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32591350.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0545 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android Audioserver component, which operates as a privileged system service responsible for managing audio functionality across the device. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 5.0.2 through 7.1.1, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code within the context of the privileged Audioserver process. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the audio subsystem, allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated system permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the Audioserver handles certain input parameters or system calls, potentially through buffer overflows, improper access controls, or insecure privilege escalation mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by installing a malicious application on the device and leveraging the vulnerable audio service to gain elevated privileges. This represents a classic local privilege escalation vector where the malicious application, running with standard user permissions, can manipulate the privileged audio service to execute code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification as High severity reflects its potential for enabling complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0545 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with access to system-level capabilities that are normally restricted to legitimate system processes. Once exploited, the malicious application could gain access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, install additional malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, where applications should only have access to resources necessary for their operation. The threat landscape is particularly concerning as it allows for silent exploitation without user interaction, making detection and prevention challenging for end users and security administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates, specifically targeting the affected Android versions. System administrators should prioritize updating devices to patched versions of Android, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for unusual audio service access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network-based monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The mitigation approach aligns with cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, emphasizing the importance of timely patch management and continuous monitoring of system vulnerabilities. This vulnerability exemplifies the broader category of privilege escalation flaws categorized under CWE-264 and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through local exploitation of system vulnerabilities.