CVE-2013-2597 in Android-msm
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the acdb_ioctl function in audio_acdb.c in the acdb audio driver for the Linux kernel 2.6.x and 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, allows attackers to gain privileges via an application that leverages /dev/msm_acdb access and provides a large size value in an ioctl argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-2597 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the audio subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically affecting Qualcomm MSM devices running kernel versions 2.6.x and 3.x. This flaw exists in the acdb audio driver component known as audio_acdb.c, which handles audio configuration database operations for Qualcomm's mobile platform devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects Android devices through Qualcomm Innovation Center contributions, making it prevalent in numerous mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's audio processing capabilities. The attack vector requires local access to the device through the /dev/msm_acdb device node, which is typically accessible to applications with appropriate permissions, though the privilege escalation aspect suggests that the vulnerability can be exploited to elevate privileges beyond normal application boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the acdb_ioctl function, which processes ioctl system calls directed at the audio configuration database. When an application submits an ioctl command with a large size parameter through the /dev/msm_acdb interface, the function fails to validate the input size against the allocated stack buffer boundaries. This allows attackers to write data beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially overwriting adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and local variables. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting the return address on the stack, effectively redirecting code execution to malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented and dangerous class of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2597 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise through code execution. Since the vulnerability requires only access to the /dev/msm_acdb device node, which is typically available to applications with basic permissions, attackers can exploit this through regular Android applications without requiring root access or special privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications have broad access to system resources. The privilege escalation aspect indicates that successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain kernel-level privileges, potentially enabling them to bypass Android's security model, access sensitive data, modify system files, or install persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in Qualcomm's MSM device support makes it widespread across numerous Android devices, including smartphones and tablets that utilize Qualcomm's audio processing hardware. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2597 focus on both immediate patching and access control measures. The primary solution involves applying kernel patches that implement proper input validation and bounds checking within the acdb_ioctl function to prevent buffer overflows. Device manufacturers should ensure that all Qualcomm MSM devices receive timely kernel updates that address this vulnerability. Additionally, access control measures can be implemented to restrict access to the /dev/msm_acdb device node, limiting which applications can interact with the audio configuration database. This approach aligns with defense-in-depth principles and can provide additional protection even if the underlying vulnerability remains unpatched. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual ioctl operations targeting the msm_acdb device, as this could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel drivers, particularly those handling device-specific hardware interfaces. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their kernel components and implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities. The widespread nature of this vulnerability in Qualcomm's Android contributions underscores the critical need for coordinated security responses between hardware vendors, kernel maintainers, and device manufacturers to address such fundamental security flaws in mobile operating system components.