CVE-2017-0566 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek camera 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-28470975. References: M-ALPS02696367.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0566 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek camera driver component of Android systems. This weakness resides in the kernel-level camera driver implementation and allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement of first compromising a privileged process, which creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to gain system-level control. The issue affects Android devices utilizing MediaTek chipsets and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with driver-level vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems where kernel privileges are essential for system security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the MediaTek camera driver's improper handling of kernel memory operations and privilege checks. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the camera driver through kernel interfaces, the driver fails to properly validate input parameters and access controls, creating a path for privilege escalation. This flaw typically manifests when the driver processes camera-related system calls without adequate verification of the calling process's privileges or when it fails to properly enforce kernel memory boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes improper privilege management in kernel-level components, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms in device drivers.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0566 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the device's kernel space operations. This allows for persistent root access, system modification, data exfiltration, and the installation of additional malicious components without user interaction. The vulnerability affects all Android devices using MediaTek chipsets and cannot be mitigated through standard user-level security measures since it operates at the kernel level. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass Android's security model entirely, potentially enabling full system compromise and persistent backdoor access that remains undetected by standard mobile security applications and user monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the MediaTek camera driver components through official Android security updates or manufacturer firmware releases. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize deployment of security patches that address the specific kernel memory handling and privilege validation issues within the camera driver. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities to gain system-level access. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely security updates and monitor for signs of exploitation attempts. Additionally, security researchers and device manufacturers should maintain vigilance for similar vulnerabilities in other MediaTek driver components and related kernel modules to prevent cascading security issues across the mobile platform ecosystem.