CVE-2017-0436 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Android OEMs, kernel integrators, device maintainers, and security teams responsible for devices using the affected Android builds or Linux kernel 3.10/3.18 branches should review this issue. It is especially relevant where vendor backports or device-specific firmware updates determine exposure rather than the kernel version string alone.

Technical summary

The CVE description states that the flaw is in the Qualcomm sound driver and can lead to arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. NVD maps the record to Android versions through 7.1.1 and to Linux kernel 3.10 and 3.18 CPEs, with a CVSS 3.0 score of 7.0. The published description also notes that exploitation first requires compromising a privileged process, which raises the practical barrier but does not remove the kernel-level impact.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Confirm whether affected Android images or device kernels include the Qualcomm sound driver code path referenced by the vendor advisory.
• Verify vendor patch level and OEM backports for Android builds at or below the version range listed in NVD.
• Prioritize remediation on devices that can still receive security updates; otherwise plan compensating controls and replacement.
• Review whether privileged processes on managed devices are tightly restricted, since the CVE description says initial compromise of a privileged process is required.
• Use the official Android security bulletin and NVD record to validate device-specific exposure and patch status.

Evidence notes

Primary evidence comes from the CVE description and NVD metadata. The CVE record published on 2017-02-08 describes a Qualcomm sound driver elevation-of-privilege issue affecting Android, with kernel-context code execution and an initial requirement to compromise a privileged process. NVD lists vulnerable CPEs for Android through 7.1.1 and Linux kernel 3.10/3.18, and the vendor advisory link points to the Android security bulletin dated 2017-02-01. The NVD record was later modified on 2026-05-13; that date reflects record maintenance, not the vulnerability's disclosure date.

Official resources