CVE-2017-0752 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android framework (windowmanager). Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-62196835.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0752 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android framework's window manager component. This issue affects multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability resides in how the window manager handles certain operations, specifically related to the manipulation of window properties and permissions that should normally be restricted to system-level components. This flaw allows malicious applications to potentially bypass normal security boundaries and gain elevated privileges that they would not normally be entitled to.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of window manager operations and insufficient access controls within the Android framework. When applications attempt to perform specific window management operations, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting application has adequate privileges to execute these actions. This weakness creates a pathway for privilege escalation where unprivileged applications can manipulate window properties in ways that should be restricted to system services. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276, which deals with improper privilege management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of system privileges for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to escalate their privileges from regular application level to system level access. This escalation allows malicious actors to perform actions such as accessing protected system resources, modifying system configurations, installing malicious applications with system-level permissions, and potentially gaining full control over the device. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications installed on the device or through compromised applications that leverage the window manager flaw. Once exploited, the attacker can bypass normal Android security models and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0752 primarily focus on updating to patched Android versions where Google has addressed the window manager privilege escalation issue. Organizations and users should prioritize applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular update cycles. Additionally, security professionals should implement application whitelisting policies and monitor for suspicious window manager activity on devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within system frameworks, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of core Android components. Security teams should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce timely patch deployment and monitor for potential exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis of system operations.