CVE-2017-0787 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom wi-fi driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-37722970. References: B-V2017053104.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0787 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of the Android kernel ecosystem. This weakness resides in the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) implementation and specifically affects the handling of certain Bluetooth commands that are processed by the kernel-level Wi-Fi driver module. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the kernel space Bluetooth subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from unprivileged user contexts to kernel-level execution. The flaw manifests when the system processes specific Bluetooth commands that trigger a buffer overflow condition in the kernel driver, allowing for arbitrary code execution with the highest system privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Bluetooth communication protocols within the Android kernel, where the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver fails to properly validate incoming data structures. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which enables attackers to overwrite critical memory regions and potentially execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. This weakness directly impacts the Android kernel's security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially compromise the entire device. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to 2017, with the specific Android ID A-37722970 indicating the scope of affected kernel versions and device implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0787 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices through the Bluetooth interface. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is enabled. The attack vector leverages the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel-level execution environment through the Bluetooth subsystem. Successful exploitation allows attackers to install malicious applications, access encrypted data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the device. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Broadcom Wi-Fi chips in Android devices, affecting numerous manufacturers and device models that rely on this particular driver implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0787 require immediate implementation of security patches and updates from device manufacturers, as well as proactive system hardening measures. Organizations should implement Bluetooth connectivity restrictions and disable unnecessary Bluetooth features when not in use, following the principle of least functionality. The recommended approach includes applying the latest security updates from Google and device vendors, enabling kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR), and implementing proper input validation controls within Bluetooth command processing. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for suspicious Bluetooth activity and consider network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure kernel programming practices and proper memory management within mobile operating systems, emphasizing the need for regular security audits of kernel components and driver implementations to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in future system versions.