CVE-2017-0788 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom wi-fi driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-37722328. References: B-V2017053103.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0788 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of the Android kernel ecosystem. This weakness specifically targets the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) functionality and stems from improper input validation within the kernel-level driver implementation. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes malformed Bluetooth packets, particularly those containing oversized or malformed data structures that exceed expected buffer boundaries. The flaw resides in the kernel's handling of BLE connection parameters and packet processing routines where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption scenarios that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Bluetooth communication protocols within the Android kernel environment. Attackers can craft specially crafted Bluetooth packets that trigger buffer overflow conditions when processed by the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver. This memory corruption typically leads to arbitrary code execution within kernel space, providing attackers with elevated privileges that bypass normal Android security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where it can manipulate system resources, access protected memory regions, and potentially escalate privileges to root access. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of elevated privileges for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0788 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire Android device fleets running vulnerable kernel versions. Devices that utilize Broadcom Wi-Fi chipsets and support Bluetooth connectivity become vulnerable to remote exploitation, as the attack vector does not require physical proximity or user interaction. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to 7.0 Nougat, making a substantial portion of the Android ecosystem susceptible to exploitation. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to gain root-level access to devices, allowing for complete system compromise including data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, and modification of system files. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many Android devices rely on Broadcom chipsets for wireless connectivity, creating a widespread potential impact across various device manufacturers and models.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android kernel versions and implementation of proper input validation controls within the Bluetooth subsystem. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver implementation. The recommended approach involves applying kernel-level patches that enforce proper bounds checking on all incoming Bluetooth packet data and implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. Additionally, security configurations should include disabling unnecessary Bluetooth features when not actively in use and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring tools that can detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level drivers and the necessity of thorough security testing for wireless communication components. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the Android Security Model and the NSA's Cybersecurity Maturity Model requires continuous monitoring and updating of kernel components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.