CVE-2017-0648 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the kernel FIQ debugger could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require reflashing the operating system to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10. Android ID: A-36101220.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0648 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android kernel's FIQ (Fast Interrupt Request) debugger implementation. This weakness resides in the kernel-level debugging infrastructure that handles fast interrupt requests, which are critical for system-level operations and hardware interrupt processing. The vulnerability specifically affects Android devices running kernel version 3.10 and is classified as High severity due to its potential for complete system compromise. The FIQ debugger mechanism is designed to provide low-level debugging capabilities during system operation, but this particular implementation contains a flaw that allows malicious applications to escalate their privileges beyond normal user boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in how the kernel FIQ debugger processes certain interrupt handling routines. When a malicious application attempts to leverage this weakness, it can manipulate the interrupt processing flow to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This occurs because the FIQ debugger implementation fails to properly validate input parameters or maintain proper access controls during interrupt handling operations. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor pathway through which unprivileged code can gain kernel-level execution rights, bypassing all standard security mechanisms that normally protect the kernel from user-space applications. This flaw directly maps to CWE-284 Access Control, as the system fails to properly enforce access controls for privileged kernel operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0648 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete device compromise and persistent system control. A successful exploitation allows a local malicious application to gain root-level access to the device, enabling it to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access all device data, and potentially disable security features. The severity classification as High reflects the fact that this vulnerability can result in permanent device compromise, requiring full system reinstallation or reflashing to restore proper security posture. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create persistent footholds on devices, making it particularly dangerous for both personal and enterprise environments where Android devices are used for sensitive operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0648 focus primarily on patching the kernel implementation to address the FIQ debugger flaw. Android security updates released in 2017 included kernel-level fixes that corrected the access control mechanisms within the FIQ debugger. Organizations should ensure all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those addressing kernel-level vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious interrupt handling patterns and unauthorized system modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure kernel design practices and proper input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of kernel-level debugging interfaces. Device manufacturers and security teams should conduct thorough testing of kernel-level components, particularly those handling interrupt processing, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations.