CVE-2017-13244 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Upstream kernel easel. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. ID: A-62678986.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The CVE-2017-13244 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android kernel's upstream easel component, specifically affecting Android versions that utilize kernel-based graphics rendering capabilities. This vulnerability resides in the kernel's handling of graphics buffer management and memory allocation processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from untrusted application contexts to kernel-level access. The issue stems from improper validation of memory access permissions within the graphics subsystem, allowing attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures through carefully crafted graphics operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a buffer overflow condition in the kernel's graphics buffer management routines. When applications submit graphics commands to the kernel's easel interface, malformed buffer parameters can cause the kernel to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite kernel data structures and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where the attacker gains direct access to system resources, bypassing standard user-space security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and memory protection controls.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices as it enables attackers to gain root-level access without requiring physical device compromise or complex exploitation chains. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation capabilities. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited through standard Android application installation processes, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special user interaction or device-specific conditions. The vulnerability affects all Android versions utilizing the affected kernel components, creating a widespread exposure across numerous device models and manufacturers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13244 require immediate kernel patching and system updates from device manufacturers, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through application-level security measures alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and establish robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security fixes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Device manufacturers must prioritize the deployment of kernel updates and consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module signing and runtime integrity verification to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of kernel security in mobile operating systems and demonstrate how graphics subsystems can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation. Security professionals should recognize that kernel-level vulnerabilities of this nature often require fundamental architectural changes to prevent similar issues, as the root cause lies in core memory management and access control mechanisms that are difficult to patch without comprehensive system updates. This vulnerability underscores the necessity for continuous security assessment of kernel components and emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Android device deployments.