CVE-2017-0704 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android system ui. Product: Android. Versions: 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-33059280.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0704 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android system ui component affecting versions 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. This weakness allows malicious actors to escalate their privileges from a regular application level to that of system-level access, fundamentally compromising the security model of the Android operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user interface elements and system permissions that should normally be restricted to privileged components only.
This security flaw operates through a privilege escalation mechanism that exploits weaknesses in the system ui's permission checking and validation processes. The vulnerability specifically affects how the Android system ui component manages access controls and authentication mechanisms, creating an opportunity for unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which describes improper permissions and access control issues within software systems. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege where normal applications can potentially access system-level resources through manipulated interactions with the system ui.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0704 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected Android devices. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows malicious actors to access sensitive system resources, modify core operating system components, and potentially install persistent backdoors. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain system-level access. The vulnerability affects all devices running Android 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting enterprise and consumer environments alike.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches provided by Google to address the underlying privilege escalation mechanisms within the system ui. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and privilege escalation activities. The patching process involves updating the system ui component to properly validate user permissions and enforce strict access controls. Security teams must also conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors and implement network segmentation to limit the impact of successful attacks. Additionally, device administrators should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis and anomaly detection mechanisms.