CVE-2017-0747 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm proprietary component. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-32524214. References: QC-CR#2044821.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0747 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm proprietary components of Android systems, specifically affecting the Android kernel. This issue stems from a fundamental weakness in how the kernel handles certain privileged operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability was tracked under Android ID A-32524214 and referenced in Qualcomm's internal tracking system as QC-CR#2044821, indicating its significance within the mobile security ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of kernel-level operations that should be restricted to privileged processes only. This weakness enables malicious applications or attackers with limited access to execute code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the kernel's security controls. The vulnerability exploits a race condition or improper access control mechanism within the Qualcomm proprietary kernel modules that handle sensitive system functions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain root access to the device, allowing them to modify system files, install malicious applications, or extract sensitive data from the device's secure storage. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, making it extremely difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional application-level security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise, potentially affecting entire fleets of Android devices manufactured with Qualcomm processors. Security researchers have categorized this weakness under CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities in software systems. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations deploying affected devices face significant risks including data breaches, device takeover, and potential use in larger attack campaigns targeting enterprise networks. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel layer means that standard Android security measures such as application sandboxing and permission controls become ineffective against this specific threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0747 require immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and carriers, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through user-level security configurations alone. Qualcomm released security patches that addressed the underlying kernel-level flaw, requiring device vendors to incorporate these updates into their firmware distributions. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments of mobile device fleets, particularly focusing on kernel-level vulnerabilities. The remediation process involves updating the Android kernel components to versions that properly enforce access controls and eliminate the privilege escalation pathway. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual system behavior or unauthorized access attempts that may suggest exploitation attempts.