CVE-2017-9716 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, the qbt1000 driver implements an alternative channel for usermode applications to talk to QSEE applications.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9716 affects Android-based systems that utilize the Linux kernel and incorporate Qualcomm hardware components. This flaw exists within the qbt1000 driver which serves as an interface mechanism between user mode applications and QSEE (Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment) applications. The qbt1000 driver essentially creates an alternative communication pathway that bypasses standard security controls, presenting a significant risk to the overall security posture of devices utilizing this component. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low level within the system architecture where security boundaries should be strictly enforced.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the qbt1000 driver. The driver's alternative channel implementation allows usermode applications to communicate directly with QSEE applications without proper authentication or authorization checks. This design flaw creates a potential attack vector where malicious applications could exploit this communication channel to gain unauthorized access to secure components. The vulnerability manifests when applications attempt to interact with QSEE through this alternative pathway, bypassing normal kernel security mechanisms that should protect sensitive secure execution environments from unauthorized access. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate input validation within kernel drivers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Android platforms and device types that utilize Qualcomm hardware components. Mobile devices running affected versions of Android, Firefox OS, or QRD Android systems could potentially allow malicious applications to execute unauthorized operations against secure elements of the device. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or compromise the secure execution environment that is designed to protect critical system functions. The implications are particularly severe because QSEE applications typically handle cryptographic operations, secure key storage, and other sensitive security functions that should remain isolated from regular user applications. This vulnerability could enable attackers to undermine the fundamental security architecture of mobile devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9716 should focus on addressing the root cause within the qbt1000 driver implementation. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android vendors that correct the access control mechanisms within the driver. The recommended approach involves implementing proper authentication checks and privilege validation before allowing communication between usermode applications and QSEE components. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify all instances where this driver is implemented and ensure that proper isolation mechanisms are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.