CVE-2017-0567 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom Wi-Fi 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: Kernel-3.10, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-32125310. References: B-RB#112575.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0567 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness exists in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel versions across various Android devices. The vulnerability allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect the operating system from unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver implementation. When a privileged process is compromised, the malicious application can exploit this vulnerability to gain kernel-level privileges, which provides complete control over the device's hardware and software resources. The vulnerability operates through a privilege escalation mechanism that leverages the driver's interaction with kernel memory spaces, allowing unauthorized code execution with the highest possible system privileges. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness that can lead to privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0567 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malware targeting Android devices. Once a malicious application gains kernel-level access through this vulnerability, it can manipulate system files, disable security mechanisms, install additional malware, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack requires initial compromise of a privileged process, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," but the subsequent kernel exploitation represents a critical escalation path that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor into the core operating system that can be used for long-term system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying timely security updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and Google. The Android security team addressed this issue through kernel-level patches that corrected the input validation errors within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver. Organizations and users should prioritize updating their Android systems to versions that include the patched kernel components. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities can help detect exploitation attempts. Security researchers should also consider this vulnerability when conducting penetration testing of Android environments, as it represents a well-documented attack vector that can be used to assess the overall security posture of mobile devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure driver development practices and proper input validation in kernel-space components, as these elements form the foundation of system security.