CVE-2017-0582 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the HTC OEM fastboot command could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the sensor hub. This issue is rated as Moderate because it first requires exploitation of separate vulnerabilities. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10. Android ID: A-33178836.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0582 represents a significant security flaw within the Android operating system's kernel version 3.10, specifically affecting HTC devices that utilize OEM fastboot commands. This issue manifests as an elevation of privilege vulnerability that allows a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the sensor hub component. The vulnerability resides in the fastboot implementation used by HTC devices, which serves as a critical interface for device flashing and recovery operations. The sensor hub functionality, which typically manages various hardware sensors and low-level device operations, becomes compromised through this flaw, creating a potential attack vector for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls and validation mechanisms within the fastboot command processing within the kernel. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the sensor hub through the fastboot interface, the system fails to properly validate the request parameters and authentication context. This allows the attacker to bypass normal security boundaries and execute code with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level processes. The vulnerability specifically affects the sensor hub's ability to maintain proper isolation from user-space applications, creating a direct pathway for code execution that operates at a higher privilege level than normal applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive device functionality and data. The sensor hub context provides access to hardware-level operations and sensor data that could include personal information, biometric data, or other sensitive device metrics. Attackers could potentially manipulate sensor readings, disable security features, or extract confidential information from the device. The moderate severity rating reflects the requirement for separate exploitation prerequisites, as the vulnerability alone does not provide a complete attack chain but rather serves as a critical stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates poor privilege management and inadequate input validation within the kernel's fastboot implementation, creating an insecure by default condition. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to systems. The requirement for additional vulnerabilities to achieve full exploitation aligns with ATT&CK's concept of privilege escalation through multiple stages, where each vulnerability serves as a building block for more comprehensive attacks. Security researchers should note that this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in Android device security, particularly in the kernel-level components that manage hardware interfaces and sensor operations.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched kernel versions that properly validate fastboot commands and implement stronger access controls for sensor hub operations. Device manufacturers should ensure that security patches are applied promptly to address the underlying kernel flaws. Additionally, users should maintain their device software updates to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes implementing proper input validation, access control checks, and privilege separation mechanisms within the kernel's fastboot implementation. Security monitoring should focus on unusual sensor hub activity and unauthorized fastboot command executions that could indicate exploitation attempts.