CVE-2017-0801 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-0801, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android kernel. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Android kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2017-0801
What is CVE-2017-0801?
CVE-2017-0801 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek libmtkomxvdec that affects the Android product, specifically the Android kernel.
The Impact of CVE-2017-0801
This vulnerability could allow a malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-0801
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the MediaTek libmtkomxvdec, impacting the Android product, particularly the Android kernel.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Android
- Vendor: Google Inc.
- Versions: Android kernel
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the targeted system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Google promptly.
- Regularly update the Android operating system to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access rights for applications.
- Use reputable app sources and avoid downloading apps from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Employ security solutions that can detect and prevent privilege escalation attempts.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the Android device receives regular security updates and patches to address known vulnerabilities.