CVE-2017-0700 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android system ui. Product: Android. Versions: 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-35639138.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0700 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android system ui component affecting versions 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. This vulnerability resides in the Android framework's handling of system user interface elements and presents a significant security risk to devices running these specific Android versions. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the system ui service that processes user interface requests and interactions.
The technical flaw manifests through a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the system ui processes certain malformed input data structures. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where malicious input causes the system ui service to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw specifically impacts the way the system handles user interface commands and notifications, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the system ui context, which typically runs with elevated permissions and has access to core system resources.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute code on affected devices without requiring physical access or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this weakness through various attack vectors including malicious notifications, specially crafted system messages, or compromised network services that interact with the system ui. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the compromised system ui service can potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control, allowing attackers to modify system files, install malicious applications, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0700 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize upgrading affected devices to Android 8.0 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory management practices. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including firewall rules that restrict unnecessary communication with system ui components and monitor for unusual system ui service behavior. Device manufacturers and carriers must ensure timely deployment of security patches to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive input validation to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running the affected Android versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces.