CVE-2017-0613 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment Communicator 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-35400457. References: QC-CR#1086140.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0613 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment Communicator driver component of Android systems. This issue resides in the kernel-level communication mechanisms that facilitate secure operations between the application processor and the secure execution environment. The vulnerability specifically affects Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it a widespread concern across numerous mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's hardware security implementations. The flaw creates a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute code with kernel-level permissions, fundamentally compromising the security model that separates trusted secure environments from untrusted user applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the secure execution environment communicator driver. When a privileged process is compromised, the malicious application can exploit a flaw in how the driver handles communication requests, allowing it to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. This represents a classic example of a kernel-level exploit that leverages a privilege escalation vector through a trusted communication channel. The vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and specifically relates to insufficient privilege checks within kernel drivers. The attack requires initial compromise of a privileged process, making it a sophisticated exploit that cannot be initiated from standard user applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to bypass the fundamental security boundaries that protect Android devices. Once successfully exploited, the malicious code can manipulate system memory, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially install persistent backdoors. The kernel-level execution context provides complete control over device operations, allowing attackers to monitor communications, extract cryptographic keys, modify system files, and maintain persistent access. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by undermining the isolation between user-space applications and the kernel, which is essential for maintaining device integrity. The attack vector requires local access to a compromised privileged process, but once achieved, it provides complete system compromise that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0613 focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. Qualcomm released security updates that address the vulnerability through proper input validation and enhanced access controls within the secure execution environment communicator driver. Device manufacturers should implement timely security patches to protect affected systems, as this vulnerability represents a high-risk threat that could be exploited for significant data breaches or device compromise. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and maintain updated security configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure driver development practices and proper privilege management in kernel components, as highlighted by industry standards for secure system design. Organizations should also consider implementing application control measures and monitoring for unauthorized kernel modifications to detect potential exploitation attempts.