CVE-2017-0574 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-34624457. References: B-RB#113189.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0574 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness exists specifically 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 stems from improper input validation and memory management practices within the driver's implementation, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel-level execution contexts. The issue is classified as High severity because while it requires initial compromise of a privileged process, the subsequent exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and arbitrary code execution with the highest possible privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition within the Wi-Fi driver's handling of specific network packets or driver ioctl commands. When a malicious application successfully triggers this flaw, it can manipulate memory structures in a way that allows code execution within the kernel space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows, depending on the specific implementation details. The kernel's privilege separation mechanisms are effectively bypassed through this flaw, enabling a local attacker to escalate their privileges from user-level to kernel-level execution. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it leverages the legitimate Wi-Fi driver functionality to create an attack vector that would be difficult to detect through normal security monitoring.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0574 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected Android devices. Once successfully exploited, malicious applications can access all system resources, modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that utilize the affected kernel versions, making it a widespread concern across numerous device models and manufacturers. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can use the kernel-level access to execute arbitrary commands and maintain persistent access. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Wi-Fi driver is continuously active and accessible to user applications, providing numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0574 require immediate patching of affected systems through security updates from device manufacturers and Google. The primary remediation involves updating the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver components to versions that properly validate input parameters and prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely deployment of security patches across all Android devices. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual Wi-Fi driver activity and network packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of kernel drivers, particularly those handling network input. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security implications of driver-level flaws and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.