CVE-2017-13306 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Upstream kernel mnh driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-70295063.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The CVE-2017-13306 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android kernel's mnh driver component, exposing devices to potential security breaches that could compromise system integrity. This vulnerability specifically affects the upstream kernel implementation used in Android operating systems, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Android across mobile devices and embedded systems. The mnh driver, which typically handles multimedia and network hardware management functions, contains a flaw that allows malicious code to escalate privileges from a regular user context to kernel-level access, fundamentally undermining the security model of the Android operating system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and memory management within the kernel driver's handling of user-space requests. When the mnh driver processes certain ioctl commands or data structures from user applications, it fails to properly validate the parameters or enforce appropriate access controls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation. This flaw can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious applications that leverage the driver's interface to manipulate kernel memory or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, specifically manifesting as a weakness in the kernel's privilege management mechanisms. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently install third-party applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13306 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to bypass Android's security boundaries, access sensitive user data, modify system files, or even install persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects all Android devices running kernel versions that include the vulnerable mnh driver implementation, creating a substantial attack surface across multiple device manufacturers and model lines. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes malicious applications, zero-day exploits, and advanced persistent threat actors who could leverage the privilege escalation to gain complete control over affected devices. The vulnerability's presence in the upstream kernel means that it affects not only stock Android implementations but also custom ROMs and modified Android-based systems that incorporate the same kernel components, amplifying the potential impact significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13306 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through security updates from device manufacturers, as well as implementing runtime protections and monitoring for suspicious kernel activity. Organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure all Android devices receive timely security updates, particularly those running vulnerable kernel versions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1543, covering "Create or Modify System Process," making it a significant concern for security operations teams. Device manufacturers should implement kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and strict input validation to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual kernel behavior and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation through malicious applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-level security in mobile platforms and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel drivers before deployment, as outlined in industry standards for secure system design and implementation practices.