CVE-2017-0576 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm crypto engine 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-33544431. References: QC-CR#1103089.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0576 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm crypto engine driver component of Android operating systems. This issue affects kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these kernel versions across various Android devices. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, providing a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code with the highest system permissions. The classification as High severity stems from the requirement to first compromise a privileged process, which creates a more complex attack vector but still maintains significant risk potential.
The technical flaw manifests within the Qualcomm crypto engine driver implementation where improper input validation and memory handling allows for privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by first gaining access to a privileged process, then exploiting the driver's insufficient security controls to execute malicious code within the kernel context. This creates a persistent threat that can potentially compromise the entire system, as kernel-level execution bypasses standard user-space security mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates below the visibility of typical user-space monitoring tools, making detection and prevention challenging for standard security solutions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, extract sensitive data, modify system files, and potentially gain complete control over affected devices. Mobile devices running affected kernel versions become vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that can compromise user privacy and data integrity. The attack surface is particularly wide given that many Android devices rely on Qualcomm's crypto engine drivers for secure operations, making this vulnerability exploitable across numerous device models and manufacturers. Organizations and users face significant risk as this vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats, data exfiltration, and system compromise without requiring extensive privileges or external network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0576 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates to address the specific kernel driver vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the Qualcomm security patches referenced in QC-CR#1103089, ensuring that all affected devices receive proper security updates. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, as traditional security measures may not effectively identify kernel-level attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write patterns, representing a classic example of insufficient validation leading to privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing device hardening measures, network segmentation, and regular security audits to reduce the overall attack surface and minimize potential exploitation opportunities. Given the nature of the vulnerability, maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for suspicious kernel activity remains the most effective defense mechanism against this and similar threats.