CVE-2017-6262 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA driver contains a vulnerability where it is possible a use after free malfunction can occur due to a race condition which could enable unauthorized code execution and possibly lead to elevation of privileges. This issue is rated as high. Product: Android. Version: N/A. Android ID: A-38045794. References: N-CVE-2017-6262.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6262 represents a critical security flaw within NVIDIA mobile graphics driver implementations targeting android devices. This issue manifests as a use-after-free condition that arises from a race condition during driver operations, creating a scenario where memory previously deallocated by the system can still be accessed by malicious code. The vulnerability specifically impacts the graphics processing unit driver components that manage hardware acceleration for mobile graphics operations. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory resource simultaneously, with one thread deallocating memory while another thread attempts to use it. This fundamental flaw in memory management creates a window of opportunity for exploitation that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the privileged context of the graphics driver. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its potential for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges beyond normal user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the NVIDIA graphics driver code that handles memory allocation and deallocation operations. When the driver processes graphics commands or manages hardware resources, it fails to adequately protect against concurrent access patterns that could lead to memory corruption. The race condition typically occurs during dynamic memory management operations where one execution path deallocates a memory block while another path attempts to reference that same memory location. This scenario creates a use-after-free condition that can be exploited through carefully crafted input or commands that manipulate the timing and execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that frequently leads to arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this condition to overwrite memory contents with malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exploitation process typically involves triggering the race condition through specific graphics operations or rendering sequences that cause the driver to enter the vulnerable state.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6262 extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution to encompass potential system-wide compromise and privilege escalation capabilities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the graphics driver process, which often runs with elevated permissions due to the sensitive nature of hardware access. This privilege escalation can enable attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain access to system resources that would otherwise be restricted. The vulnerability affects Android devices running specific NVIDIA Tegra chipsets where the graphics driver is implemented, making it particularly relevant to mobile devices that rely on hardware-accelerated graphics processing. The impact is amplified by the fact that graphics drivers typically maintain persistent access to hardware resources and system memory, providing attackers with a stable execution environment for malicious activities. The vulnerability's high severity rating reflects its potential for remote exploitation and the significant privileges that can be gained through successful exploitation, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats and mobile malware authors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6262 focus primarily on updating the affected NVIDIA graphics drivers to versions that address the race condition and memory management flaws. Android device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security patches that include updated graphics driver components, as these updates typically contain fixes for the underlying synchronization issues that create the race condition. System administrators and device users should ensure that all mobile devices are updated to the latest available security patches, particularly those that address graphics driver vulnerabilities. The mitigation process involves implementing proper memory management practices within the driver code, including the use of proper locking mechanisms and synchronization primitives to prevent concurrent access to shared memory resources. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual graphics driver behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and runtime monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in system drivers, particularly those with elevated privileges and direct hardware access capabilities. This case demonstrates how seemingly minor race condition issues in driver code can lead to significant security implications, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes for all system components with privileged access.