CVE-2017-0565 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek thermal 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: N/A. Android ID: A-28175904. References: M-ALPS02696516.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0565 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek thermal driver component of Android systems. This weakness exists in the kernel-level driver responsible for managing thermal conditions in mobile devices, specifically affecting MediaTek chipsets. The vulnerability allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions, effectively bypassing the operating system's security boundaries. The issue is classified as High severity because it requires initial compromise of a privileged process, but once achieved, provides complete kernel access to the attacker.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the MediaTek thermal driver module. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the thermal management interface, the driver fails to properly validate user-supplied parameters, leading to potential memory corruption or privilege escalation. This flaw operates at the kernel level, where the driver handles thermal sensor data and system cooling mechanisms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking elevated system privileges. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of ioctl (input/output control) commands that are typically used for device communication, allowing unauthorized code execution in kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the device's core systems. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they can modify system files, disable security features, install persistent backdoors, and access all device data without restriction. This represents a fundamental compromise of the Android security model, as the kernel is the most privileged execution environment in the operating system. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that utilize MediaTek chipsets, particularly those using the affected thermal driver implementation, creating a widespread risk across numerous mobile devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the MediaTek thermal driver component through official Android security updates. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the latest security patches from device manufacturers and ensure that all devices receive timely updates. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring solutions can help detect suspicious kernel-level activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of how kernel-level drivers can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and kernel exploits, specifically targeting the T1068 and T1059 techniques for gaining system-level access. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional security measures such as kernel address space layout randomization and code integrity checks to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.