CVE-2017-7372 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a race condition exists in a video driver potentially leading to buffer overflow or write to arbitrary pointer location.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7372 represents a critical race condition within the video driver component of Android systems built on the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum. This flaw exists across all Android releases utilizing this kernel framework, making it particularly concerning for widespread device populations. The race condition manifests in the video driver's handling of memory operations, creating a window where concurrent processes can interfere with each other's memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the video driver's kernel space code. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access video memory resources simultaneously, the lack of adequate locking mechanisms allows for unpredictable execution paths. This condition can result in a buffer overflow scenario where data written to memory locations exceeds allocated boundaries, or alternatively, cause writes to arbitrary memory pointers that may not be properly validated or protected. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning it can potentially escalate privileges and compromise system integrity.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to device security and stability. Attackers can exploit the race condition to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface includes any application or service that interacts with video processing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where malicious code might be present. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable privilege escalation attacks that allow adversaries to bypass security mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7372 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through official Android security updates. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the latest security patches from device manufacturers, as these updates typically include proper synchronization mechanisms and memory access controls. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help reduce exploit reliability. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the specific kernel versions affected to ensure complete remediation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques.
The widespread nature of this vulnerability across Android releases from Code Aurora Forum indicates a systemic issue in kernel driver implementation that requires comprehensive security auditing. Device manufacturers must implement robust testing procedures for kernel components, particularly focusing on concurrent access scenarios and memory management operations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar race conditions in other driver components. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel space operations and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when these protections are inadequate.