CVE-2017-0705 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom wi-fi driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-34973477. References: B-RB#119898.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0705 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of the Android kernel ecosystem. This weakness resides in the kernel-level network subsystem that governs wireless communication capabilities on Android devices, specifically affecting the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver implementation that manages hardware interactions for wireless connectivity. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling mechanisms within the driver's kernel space operations, creating a pathway for malicious code execution with elevated system privileges. This issue impacts the fundamental security model of Android devices by allowing unauthorized access to privileged system functions that should only be available to kernel-level processes or trusted system components.
The technical flaw manifests through a buffer overflow condition or improper access control mechanism within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver's kernel module implementation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious network packets or manipulating driver interfaces to trigger unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability typically occurs during the processing of network frames or driver communication protocols where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite critical kernel memory regions. This flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can grant attackers complete control over the device's wireless subsystem and potentially broader system access. The issue aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-269, which addresses improper privilege management in kernel modules. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access through driver-based vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0705 extends beyond simple wireless connectivity disruption, as it enables complete system compromise through unauthorized privilege elevation. An attacker with access to the wireless network interface can leverage this vulnerability to gain root-level access to the Android device, potentially leading to full data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or device manipulation. The vulnerability affects all Android versions that utilize the affected Broadcom Wi-Fi driver implementation, creating widespread exposure across numerous device models and manufacturers. Mobile devices become particularly vulnerable as they rely heavily on wireless connectivity for normal operations, making exploitation relatively straightforward. The impact is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making traditional application-level security measures ineffective. Device manufacturers must address this through kernel-level patches, which require careful testing and deployment to avoid disrupting normal device functionality. The vulnerability also exposes the broader challenge of hardware driver security in mobile operating systems where third-party components like Broadcom drivers introduce additional attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0705 require immediate kernel updates and driver patches from device manufacturers, with Google releasing security updates through the Android security bulletin process. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous wireless traffic patterns. Device administrators must ensure timely application of security patches and maintain updated firmware versions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel module security testing and proper input validation in embedded systems. Regular security audits of device drivers and kernel components should be conducted to identify similar privilege escalation weaknesses. Network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting wireless access to trusted networks. Device manufacturers should implement robust code review processes for kernel-level components and consider hardware-based security features to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules and the importance of maintaining secure driver implementations in mobile operating systems.