CVE-2017-0740 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Broadcom networking driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-37168488. References: B-RB#116402.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0740 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Broadcom networking driver component of the Android kernel ecosystem. This weakness resides in the fundamental network communication stack that governs how mobile devices process and handle network packets. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation mechanisms within the driver's packet processing routines, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory management protocols that fail to properly validate network packet structures before processing them through the kernel's networking subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts specially malformed network packets that trigger buffer overflow conditions within the Broadcom driver implementation. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically manifesting as heap-based buffer overflows that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. The attack vector requires the target device to receive and process these malicious packets through normal network communication channels, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that continuously maintain network connectivity. The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions prior to specific security patches, with the Android ID A-37168488 indicating the precise kernel components impacted.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to mobile device security as it enables attackers to gain full system compromise without requiring physical access or user interaction. The remote code execution capability allows threat actors to install malicious applications, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands within the kernel space. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide attacks when targeting connected devices within the same network segment, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices frequently connect to corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0740 require immediate deployment of security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, with particular emphasis on updating the Android kernel components that govern networking driver behavior. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict firewall rules, and maintaining comprehensive network traffic monitoring to identify potential malicious packet injection attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically apply security updates and monitor for vulnerable kernel components. Additionally, network administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed network traffic patterns consistent with this vulnerability's exploitation methodology. The remediation process must account for the fact that many devices may not receive timely security updates, requiring organizations to maintain awareness of their device fleet's security posture and implement compensating controls to reduce exposure risk.