CVE-2017-0664 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android framework. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-36491278.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Android framework that allows malicious applications to gain elevated system-level permissions without proper authorization. The issue stems from improper validation of system calls and insufficient access controls within the Android operating system's core components. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that separate user applications from system services. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect access control mechanisms within software systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate system resources, install malicious applications, modify system files, and potentially access sensitive user data without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this privilege escalation vulnerability involves exploiting a race condition or improper input validation in system service interfaces that handle inter-process communication. Malicious applications can leverage this weakness to manipulate the Android framework's permission model, allowing them to execute code with the same privileges as system-level components. The flaw typically occurs when the system fails to properly validate the identity or permissions of processes attempting to access protected system resources. This creates an attack surface where unprivileged applications can potentially invoke system-level functions through crafted API calls or by exploiting the underlying implementation details of Android's security model. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed on the target device, making it a post-compromise attack vector that can be particularly dangerous in environments where users have administrative privileges or where applications are not properly vetted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Once exploited, attackers can modify system configurations, install persistent backdoors, monitor user activities, and access encrypted data that was previously protected by the Android security model. The vulnerability affects all applications running on the affected Android versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple devices are managed. Organizations using Android devices for sensitive operations face significant risks as this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass traditional mobile device management controls and security policies. The exploitability of this flaw means that even users with minimal technical knowledge can potentially compromise their devices, making it a high-risk vulnerability for consumer and enterprise deployments alike. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management. Android security patches addressing CVE-2017-0664 were released through the regular Android security bulletins, requiring device manufacturers to distribute updates to affected devices. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices receive security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing mobile device management solutions with application control policies, restricting application installation from unknown sources, and monitoring for suspicious application behavior. Network-level controls such as application blacklisting and behavioral analysis can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security layers including full disk encryption, secure boot mechanisms, and regular security audits of mobile endpoints. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the critical need for robust mobile security management practices in enterprise environments.