CVE-2017-0800 in MediaTek
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek teei. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-37683975. References: M-ALPS03302988.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0800 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek teei component of Android systems, specifically affecting the Android kernel. This vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) implementation developed by MediaTek, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from regular user-level processes to system-level administrative access. The issue manifests in the kernel-level handling of TEE operations where insufficient validation occurs during privilege transitions, allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The Android ID A-37683975 indicates this vulnerability was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, while the reference M-ALPS03302988 points to MediaTek's internal tracking mechanism for this specific flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of kernel memory manipulation and improper privilege validation checks within the TEE subsystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious payloads that exploit the TEE interface to bypass normal kernel security mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the MediaTek teei component handles privilege transitions, creating a condition where user-space applications can manipulate kernel memory structures to gain system-level access. This typically involves exploiting race conditions or memory corruption vulnerabilities within the TEE driver that manages communication between the normal world and the trusted execution environment. The flaw resides in the kernel's privilege management subsystem where insufficient checks are performed when transitioning between different security contexts, allowing privilege escalation from unprivileged processes to privileged kernel operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0800 is severe and far-reaching across affected Android devices, particularly those utilizing MediaTek chipsets. Devices running vulnerable Android versions become susceptible to complete system compromise, where attackers can execute arbitrary code with root privileges, extract sensitive data, modify system files, and potentially install persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only individual user privacy but also corporate security environments where Android devices are used for business operations, as it allows attackers to bypass device encryption and access protected corporate data. Mobile device management systems and enterprise security solutions that rely on Android's security model become fundamentally compromised, potentially exposing entire corporate networks to unauthorized access. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised websites, or even through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0800 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the TEE privilege escalation flaw in MediaTek chipsets, with particular attention to Android versions that include vulnerable kernel components. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts and establish robust patch management procedures that ensure timely deployment of security fixes. Network security teams should consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms that monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as the flaw can be exploited through various network protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, enhanced memory protection mechanisms, and regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.