CVE-2017-0710 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Upstream Linux tcb. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-34951864.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0710 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Linux kernel's tcb (trusted computing base) implementation specifically affecting Android devices. This vulnerability resides in the upstream Linux kernel components that Android relies upon for core system security functions. The issue stems from improper handling of certain kernel memory management operations that create opportunities for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from regular user-level processes to kernel-level execution. The affected Android kernel versions demonstrate a fundamental weakness in the trusted computing base implementation that undermines the security boundaries designed to protect system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests through a specific race condition or memory corruption vulnerability within the kernel's tcb subsystem that allows unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. This occurs when the kernel fails to properly validate or enforce access controls during critical system operations, enabling malicious applications or attackers to manipulate kernel data structures or memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where all system protections are theoretically disabled, allowing for complete system compromise. The flaw typically involves improper synchronization mechanisms or insufficient input validation that creates exploitable conditions for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected Android devices. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows malicious actors to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access all user data, and potentially compromise the entire device. This represents a severe threat to Android security models, as it undermines the fundamental isolation mechanisms that separate user applications from system processes. The vulnerability affects all Android devices running the impacted kernel versions and poses significant risks to enterprise environments where device security is paramount. Organizations using affected Android devices face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete device compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0710 require immediate kernel updates and patches from device manufacturers, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through application-level security measures. Android security teams should implement comprehensive device monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure timely patch deployment across all affected devices. System administrators must prioritize the update of kernel components and verify that all Android devices in their environment are running patched versions of the kernel. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that forms the foundation of secure system design. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module blacklisting and enhanced monitoring of kernel-level activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel security patches and the potential consequences of failing to address kernel-level security flaws in mobile operating systems.