CVE-2017-9702 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, with all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a user-space pointer is directly accessed in a camera driver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9702 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This issue manifests within the Linux kernel subsystems that govern camera driver operations, specifically targeting how user-space pointers are handled within kernel-level code. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of pointer references during camera driver execution, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. The affected devices utilize Qualcomm Adreno graphics processors and related camera subsystems, making this issue particularly concerning for mobile devices that rely on these components for imaging functionality.
This technical flaw constitutes a direct violation of kernel security principles and falls under the category of improper pointer validation within kernel space operations. The vulnerability allows malicious applications or attackers to manipulate user-space pointers that are directly accessed by kernel-level camera driver code, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. The issue is classified as a memory corruption vulnerability that could be exploited through crafted camera operations or malicious applications that interact with the affected camera subsystems. The root cause lies in the kernel driver's failure to properly validate or sanitize pointer references before dereferencing them, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code or manipulate system memory structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise and data exposure. Attackers leveraging this flaw could gain unauthorized access to camera hardware functionalities, potentially capturing images or video without user consent while simultaneously executing arbitrary code within kernel space. This capability enables persistent backdoor access, system monitoring, and data exfiltration operations. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that utilize the Linux kernel, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous mobile device models and manufacturers. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard application interfaces, making it particularly dangerous for end-user security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9702 focus on kernel-level patching and code validation improvements. System administrators should prioritize applying security updates from device manufacturers and the Code Aurora Forum to address the pointer validation issues within camera driver implementations. The recommended approach involves implementing proper pointer validation routines within kernel space, including bounds checking and memory access verification before any pointer dereferencing operations occur. Additionally, implementing kernel address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigation techniques can reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious camera driver activities and implementing application sandboxing measures to limit potential impact. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" and represents a classic example of kernel-level memory corruption that could be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, similar to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics.