CVE-2017-0553 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in libnl could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Wi-Fi service. This issue is rated as Moderate because it first requires compromising a privileged process and is mitigated by current platform configurations. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32342065.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0553 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the libnl library component of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the network management subsystem and specifically affects versions ranging from 5.0.2 through 7.1.1, with the Android ID A-32342065 documenting the specific implementation. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level and exploits weaknesses in how the libnl library handles network interface management, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute code within the context of the Wi-Fi service.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the libnl library functions that manage network link operations. When a malicious application attempts to manipulate network interface parameters through the libnl API, the system fails to properly validate the incoming data structures, allowing for potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This vulnerability specifically impacts the Wi-Fi service which operates with elevated privileges due to its role in managing network connectivity and interface configuration. The flaw creates a condition where a local attacker can leverage the libnl library's functionality to gain unauthorized access to the Wi-Fi service context, effectively bypassing normal privilege boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that could potentially compromise the entire Wi-Fi subsystem of affected Android devices. While the vulnerability requires initial compromise of a privileged process to achieve full exploitation, the mitigation provided by current platform configurations offers only partial protection against such attacks. The attack vector primarily involves local execution on the device, making it particularly concerning for environments where device security is paramount. The privilege escalation could potentially lead to complete device compromise, allowing attackers to modify network configurations, intercept communications, or establish persistent access points.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation within the libnl library, applying security patches from Android security updates, and ensuring that the Wi-Fi service operates with minimal required privileges. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application sandboxing measures and monitoring for suspicious network interface manipulation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation in system libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of core system components that handle privileged operations. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android versions and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.