CVE-2017-3761 in Service Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The Lenovo Service Framework Android application executes some system commands without proper sanitization of external input. In certain cases, this could lead to command injection which, in turn, could lead to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3761 resides within the Lenovo Service Framework Android application, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of mobile device management systems. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's command execution pathways, creating a dangerous attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to device functionalities. The Lenovo Service Framework serves as a core component in managing various device services and configurations, making its security paramount to overall device protection. When external inputs are not properly sanitized before being processed as system commands, the application becomes susceptible to malicious manipulation that could compromise the entire device ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper handling of user-supplied data within command execution contexts, directly correlating to CWE-77 which defines command injection vulnerabilities. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls and execute with the privileges of the application itself. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where malicious actors can potentially gain full control over the device without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning given that it operates at the system level within the Android framework, enabling attackers to manipulate device configurations, access sensitive data, or even install additional malicious software. The lack of proper input sanitization means that any external data fed into the command execution pipeline can be interpreted as executable commands rather than benign input.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3761 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass comprehensive device compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could remotely execute arbitrary code on affected Lenovo devices, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installations that maintain access even after device reboots. The vulnerability affects multiple Lenovo devices running affected Android versions, creating a widespread security risk across various device models and generations. This flaw particularly threatens enterprise environments where Lenovo devices may be used for business-critical applications, as successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to corporate networks, sensitive business data, and potentially facilitate lateral movement within organizational infrastructure. The remote execution capability means that adversaries do not require physical proximity to devices, significantly expanding the attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile-first environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Lenovo devices through official firmware updates provided by Lenovo. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish device management policies that enforce regular security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices within mobile applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. Device administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training for users on recognizing potential security threats and maintaining updated device software can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is recommended that affected organizations conduct thorough security assessments of their mobile device management systems and implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous command execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.