CVE-2017-7366 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a KGSL ioctl was not validating all of its parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7366 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's kernel implementation, specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel through Code Aurora Forum (CAF) components. This issue resides within the KGSL (Kernel Graphics Subsystem) driver which manages graphics processing units on mobile devices, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm hardware. The vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within a specific ioctl (input/output control) interface, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests in the KGSL driver's failure to properly validate all input parameters submitted through the ioctl interface, which serves as the primary communication channel between user-space applications and kernel-space graphics drivers. This incomplete validation allows attackers to craft malicious ioctl commands with malformed or unexpected parameters that could bypass normal security checks. The vulnerability specifically affects Android versions that incorporate CAF's kernel modifications, making it prevalent across numerous mobile devices manufactured by various OEMs that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation (CWE-20) within a kernel driver context, where insufficient parameter checking creates opportunities for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7366 extends beyond simple exploitation attempts, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to gain elevated privileges within the device's kernel space. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's presence in the graphics subsystem means that even legitimate applications could be leveraged to exploit this weakness, as the KGSL driver interfaces with various graphics-intensive applications and system components. This creates a significant risk for mobile device users, as the attack surface encompasses not just malicious applications but also legitimate software that might inadvertently trigger the vulnerable code path.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7366 primarily focus on updating affected Android devices to versions that include patched kernel implementations from CAF. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize rolling out security patches that properly validate all ioctl parameters within the KGSL driver, ensuring that parameter validation routines check for appropriate bounds, data types, and expected values. System administrators and security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual graphics driver behavior and consider device lockdown measures for systems that cannot be immediately updated. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and kernel-mode exploitation, making it a critical target for defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime application control to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount.