CVE-2017-8181 in Nice-AL00
Summary
by MITRE
The camera driver of MTK platform in Huawei smart phones with software of versions earlier than Nice-AL00C00B155 has a arbitrary memory write vulnerability.Due to the insufficient input verification, an attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application which has special privilege and sends a specific parameter to the driver of the smart phone, causing privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The CVE-2017-8181 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the camera driver component of Huawei smartphones running MediaTek (MTK) platform software versions prior to Nice-AL00C00B155. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-level driver responsible for camera functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain elevated system privileges. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's parameter processing functions, specifically when handling user-supplied data from applications with special privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only a user to install a malicious application that has been granted special privileges, making it accessible through seemingly legitimate application installation processes. This arbitrary memory write vulnerability operates at the kernel level, allowing attackers to modify critical system memory locations and potentially compromise the entire device security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the camera driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received from privileged applications. When a malicious application with appropriate privileges sends specially crafted parameters to the camera driver, the insufficient input verification allows these parameters to be written to arbitrary memory locations within the device's memory space. This flaw falls under CWE-787, which describes "Out-of-bounds Write" conditions, and specifically relates to improper input validation in kernel drivers. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The attacker's ability to achieve privilege escalation without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently install third-party applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8181 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability allows malicious actors to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, and gain complete control over the device's functionality. The vulnerability affects Huawei smartphones with MediaTek platform hardware, specifically those running software versions earlier than Nice-AL00C00B155, indicating a widespread impact across multiple device models and firmware versions. The privilege escalation achieved through this vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, data theft, and the potential for further network-based attacks. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, as the malicious application can be installed through normal app distribution channels, making the vulnerability particularly insidious in real-world scenarios where users may inadvertently install compromised applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8181 primarily focus on software updates and system hardening measures. Users should immediately update their Huawei smartphone firmware to versions containing patches for this vulnerability, specifically targeting the Nice-AL00C00B155 release or later. Device manufacturers should implement stricter input validation mechanisms within kernel drivers and enforce proper privilege separation between applications and system-level components. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level privilege escalation flaw makes it essential for organizations to maintain comprehensive mobile device management policies, including application vetting procedures and regular firmware update enforcement. Security researchers and defenders should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in MediaTek platform drivers and implement runtime protection measures such as kernel address space layout randomization and exploit prevention techniques. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping device firmware up to date with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-level drivers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile platform components before deployment.