CVE-2017-6248 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA sound driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Moderate because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: N/A. Android ID: A-34372667. References: N-CVE-2017-6248.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6248 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the NVIDIA sound driver component of Android systems. This weakness resides in the kernel-level audio subsystem and specifically affects devices utilizing NVIDIA Tegra chipsets. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the driver's implementation, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges from user-level processes to kernel-level execution. The issue manifests when a malicious application attempts to exploit a flaw in how the driver processes audio-related system calls, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution with the highest system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic privilege escalation vector through kernel-mode driver manipulation. Attackers must first compromise a privileged process or obtain user-level access to a device that contains the vulnerable NVIDIA sound driver. Once this initial access is achieved, the malicious application can leverage the driver's insufficient validation mechanisms to execute arbitrary code within kernel space. This flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where all system operations are subject to minimal restrictions and maximum authority. The vulnerability's classification as Moderate severity reflects the requirement for an initial compromise, but this prerequisite does not diminish its potential impact on system integrity and data confidentiality.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6248 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they gain unrestricted access to all system resources, including memory, storage, network interfaces, and device drivers. This capability enables sophisticated attacks such as rootkit installation, data exfiltration, persistent system modification, and complete bypass of Android security controls. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions where the NVIDIA Tegra sound driver is implemented, making it particularly relevant to older Android devices and specific hardware configurations. The exploitation requires minimal network interaction, as the attack vector is purely local and leverages existing system processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6248 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves applying the relevant Android security patches that address the driver's privilege handling mechanisms and input validation flaws. Organizations should prioritize updating affected devices to the latest Android security releases, particularly those addressing NVIDIA Tegra driver vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual kernel-level activity and privilege escalation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary audio services, implementing strict application permissions, and conducting regular security assessments of device drivers. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and CWE-284 for improper access control, highlighting the need for comprehensive driver security validation. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of kernel-level security testing and proper privilege separation in mobile operating systems, as it represents a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement within the device's audio subsystem.