CVE-2017-0569 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-34198729. References: B-RB#110666.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0569 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 security boundaries that normally protect the operating system's core functions.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver implementation. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this vulnerability, it can manipulate kernel memory structures through crafted Wi-Fi driver interactions, ultimately gaining the ability to execute code with the highest system privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-20, representing insecure input handling in kernel space. The attack vector requires the malicious application to first compromise a privileged process, which then serves as the initial foothold for the kernel-level exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0569 is severe and far-reaching within the Android ecosystem. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability provides attackers with complete control over the device's kernel, enabling them to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access all user data, and potentially compromise the device's entire security framework. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the Android security model, where the kernel's integrity is compromised and the device becomes vulnerable to complete takeover. The vulnerability's high rating reflects the significant risk it poses to device users, as it essentially allows for the complete subversion of device security mechanisms.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1059, covering the execution of malicious code within system processes. The exploitation process typically involves leveraging the Wi-Fi driver's kernel interface to trigger memory corruption, followed by privilege escalation to gain kernel-level access. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices, as the vulnerability exists in widely deployed kernel versions. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and behavioral analysis can help detect exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated security policies and device management practices provides additional layers of defense against such sophisticated attacks.