CVE-2017-0621 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm camera 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-35399703. References: QC-CR#831322.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0621 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm camera driver component of Android systems. This weakness resides in the kernel-level camera driver implementation and specifically affects devices running Android with kernel version 3.10. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the camera subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel-level operations. The issue is particularly concerning because it requires an initial compromise of a privileged process as a prerequisite, making it more difficult to exploit but still highly dangerous once achieved.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a local attacker who must first gain access to a process with elevated privileges, typically through social engineering, phishing, or other initial compromise techniques. Once this prerequisite is met, the attacker can leverage the camera driver flaw to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to improper restriction of operations within a limited context, specifically manifesting in kernel driver privilege escalation scenarios. The exploitation mechanism likely involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or improper memory management within the camera driver's ioctl handling routines.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0621 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the device's kernel operations. This includes the ability to modify system files, disable security features, install malicious software, and potentially access sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects all Android devices utilizing Qualcomm chipsets with kernel version 3.10, creating a widespread exposure across numerous device models and manufacturers. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to execute malicious commands and scripts. The impact is particularly severe because kernel-level access enables persistent backdoor installation and complete system compromise without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm released security patches addressing the specific camera driver flaw. Organizations and users should implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized applications from gaining elevated privileges, while also monitoring for suspicious camera driver activity or unexpected privilege escalation events. Network administrators should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically deploy patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel drivers, particularly regarding input validation and memory management, as outlined in secure development guidelines from the CERT/CC and other cybersecurity organizations. Additionally, device manufacturers should implement robust code review processes and penetration testing of kernel components to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.