CVE-2017-0741 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek gpu driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-32458601. References: M-ALPS03007523.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0741 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek GPU driver component of Android kernel implementations. This weakness specifically affects the graphics processing unit subsystem that is integral to mobile device functionality and security architecture. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the kernel-level GPU driver code, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to escalate their access rights from standard user-level processes to privileged system-level operations. Such a flaw directly undermines the fundamental security model of Android operating systems where proper privilege separation is essential for maintaining system integrity and protecting user data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the MediaTek GPU driver's insufficient validation of input parameters and improper handling of kernel memory operations. When user-space applications interact with GPU resources through the driver interface, the system fails to properly verify the privileges of the calling process before executing sensitive kernel operations. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate kernel data structures and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw manifests when specific GPU commands are processed without adequate access control checks, allowing privilege escalation through carefully crafted malicious inputs that exploit the driver's trust in legitimate system operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management in software systems, and specifically demonstrates how inadequate access control mechanisms can lead to system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0741 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise and data theft capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain root access to affected devices, enabling them to install malicious applications, modify system files, access sensitive user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MediaTek GPU drivers are widely deployed across Android devices, making millions of devices potentially vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain system-level access, and T1543, which covers the establishment of persistence mechanisms through kernel-level modifications. The exploitation of this flaw could result in complete device takeover, data exfiltration, and the ability to bypass security features such as encryption and secure boot processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of security patches provided by MediaTek and device manufacturers, as well as comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to versions containing the patched GPU driver components, while also implementing runtime monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary GPU functionality where possible and implementing strict application sandboxing to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments of kernel components and driver implementations should be conducted to identify similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in device functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent exploitation.