CVE-2017-0619 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm pin controller 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. Android ID: A-35401152. References: QC-CR#826566.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0619 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm pin controller driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.10. This issue resides in the kernel-level hardware abstraction layer responsible for managing pin configurations and GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) functionality across Qualcomm-based devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the driver's implementation, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges from user-level processes to kernel-level execution context. The security implications are particularly severe because kernel-level execution grants complete system control, including the ability to modify critical system files, disable security features, and establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by undermining the fundamental principle of privilege separation between user applications and the underlying kernel, effectively allowing a compromised application to gain root-level access to the device. The issue is classified as High severity because exploitation requires first compromising a privileged process, which typically involves initial access through social engineering, malicious app distribution, or other attack vectors that bypass the initial security boundaries. The Qualcomm pin controller driver serves as a bridge between the hardware pin configuration and the operating system, managing how various hardware components interact with the system's GPIO pins. When an attacker can manipulate this driver through crafted inputs or improper validation, they can exploit the underlying kernel code to execute arbitrary commands with the highest system privileges.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0619 occurs through a combination of improper memory handling and insufficient privilege checks within the kernel driver interface. The vulnerability likely manifests when the pin controller driver processes input parameters from user-space applications without adequate validation, allowing malicious input to trigger unintended code execution paths within kernel memory space. This flaw aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious applications that interact with the pin controller driver through system calls or device ioctls, potentially causing memory corruption that leads to privilege escalation. The exploitation process typically involves a multi-stage approach where the attacker first gains access to a privileged process through other means, then uses the vulnerable driver to execute malicious code that modifies kernel structures or jumps to arbitrary code execution paths. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include full system compromise, as kernel-level access enables attackers to modify critical system components, extract sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the device. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how hardware abstraction layer drivers can become attack vectors for privilege escalation, particularly in mobile operating systems where device-specific drivers are integrated into the core kernel architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0619 significantly affects Android device security posture across numerous Qualcomm-based smartphones and tablets, potentially compromising millions of devices in the field. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by sophisticated malware campaigns, particularly those targeting high-value users or specific geographic regions. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass all standard Android security mechanisms including SELinux policies, application sandboxing, and other runtime protections. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate data and are subject to strict security policies. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and device models that utilize Qualcomm's pin controller driver, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be combined with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack chains, potentially leading to complete device compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's persistence across kernel versions indicates a fundamental design flaw that requires immediate patching and mitigation strategies. Organizations using Android devices for sensitive operations must consider this vulnerability as a critical risk factor in their security assessments and incident response planning, particularly given the difficulty in detecting such kernel-level attacks. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-mode code execution and system-level access to maintain persistent presence on compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0619 primarily focus on patch management and system hardening measures to prevent exploitation. Device manufacturers and security teams should prioritize immediate deployment of kernel updates that address the vulnerability in the Qualcomm pin controller driver, as these patches typically include proper input validation, privilege checks, and memory handling improvements. The recommended approach involves implementing robust input validation mechanisms that prevent malformed data from reaching kernel space, along with proper access control lists that restrict driver interactions to authorized processes only. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module signing, runtime integrity checks, and monitoring for suspicious driver activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network security teams should monitor for known exploitation signatures and implement behavioral analytics to detect anomalous kernel-level activity that could indicate successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and restrict the installation of untrusted applications that could potentially access vulnerable kernel drivers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel security patches and implementing comprehensive device security monitoring solutions that can detect both known and unknown exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar driver vulnerabilities that may exist in other kernel components, as this vulnerability demonstrates how hardware abstraction layers can become primary attack vectors in mobile operating systems.