CVE-2017-0573 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-34469904. References: B-RB#91539.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0573 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness resides in the kernel-level networking stack and specifically affects Android versions utilizing kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Wi-Fi driver's kernel module, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute code with kernel-level permissions. The issue is classified as High severity due to its requirement for initial compromise of a privileged process, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the serious security implications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in how the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver processes certain network packets or driver interface calls. Attackers can craft malicious Wi-Fi frames or manipulate driver communication channels to trigger a memory corruption condition that allows them to bypass kernel security mechanisms. This typically involves leveraging buffer overflow conditions or use-after-free vulnerabilities within the driver's kernel code paths. The vulnerability falls under CWE-119 which encompasses weaknesses related to improper restriction of operations within a bounds-limited area, and CWE-121 which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack vector requires local execution privileges, meaning a malicious application must already be running with some level of system access before attempting exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0573 is substantial as successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the device's kernel execution environment. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, extract sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire device. The vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for attackers to gain root access to Android devices, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate or personal information. The attack requires a compromised privileged process as a prerequisite, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. This prerequisite means that while the vulnerability is serious, it cannot be exploited remotely without prior compromise, though it does represent a significant escalation risk.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected Android versions and kernel components. Device manufacturers should prioritize updating the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver firmware and kernel modules to versions that address the specific memory handling flaws. System administrators should implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized applications from running with elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be addressed through kernel-level security patches that implement proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the Wi-Fi driver code. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns and unusual driver behavior can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications that might exploit this vulnerability. The fix typically involves strengthening kernel memory management routines and implementing proper access controls for kernel interfaces that communicate with user-space applications.