CVE-2017-0618 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek command queue 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: N/A. Android ID: A-35100728. References: M-ALPS03161536.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0618 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek command queue driver component of Android systems. This weakness resides in the kernel-level driver responsible for managing command queues in MediaTek chipsets, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges from user space to kernel space execution. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement for an attacker to first compromise a privileged process, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the serious security implications. The Android ID A-35100728 and reference M-ALPS03161536 indicate this issue was tracked within MediaTek's internal vulnerability management systems and specifically affected MediaTek-based Android devices.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and memory handling within the command queue driver implementation. When processing commands from user-space applications, the driver fails to adequately validate command parameters and queue management operations, potentially allowing malicious input to trigger buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution within kernel context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which specifically addresses "Improper Access to Memory Locations" and represents a classic kernel-level buffer overflow or memory corruption issue. The attack vector requires a local malicious application to first establish a foothold within a privileged process, making this a sophisticated exploit that demands both initial compromise and subsequent privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete kernel-level access to affected devices. This level of privilege allows for complete system compromise including modification of system files, installation of persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and complete bypass of Android security mechanisms such as SELinux policies and application sandboxing. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that utilize MediaTek chipsets, particularly those with specific command queue driver implementations that lack proper memory bounds checking and privilege validation mechanisms. The attack scenario typically involves an application that has already gained some level of system access, such as through a compromised app store installation or a previously exploited vulnerability in another system component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0618 require immediate patching of affected MediaTek driver components and system firmware updates from device manufacturers. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to the latest Android security patches that include fixes for this specific driver vulnerability. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and requires defensive measures such as monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and implementing robust application whitelisting policies. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further reduce exploitability. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to kernel-level code execution and maintain updated threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities affecting MediaTek chipsets and other embedded system components.