CVE-2013-4738 in Android-msm
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the MSM camera driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, allow attackers to gain privileges via (1) a crafted VIDIOC_MSM_VPE_DEQUEUE_STREAM_BUFF_INFO ioctl call, related to drivers/media/platform/msm/camera_v2/pproc/vpe/msm_vpe.c, or (2) a crafted VIDIOC_MSM_CPP_DEQUEUE_STREAM_BUFF_INFO ioctl call, related to drivers/media/platform/msm/camera_v2/pproc/cpp/msm_cpp.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2017
The vulnerability CVE-2013-4738 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the MSM camera driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series. This flaw specifically affects Qualcomm Innovation Center's Android contributions for MSM devices and extends to various other products utilizing the same kernel components. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the camera processing subsystem, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire device operating environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying flaw in different kernel driver modules. The first vector involves a crafted VIDIOC_MSM_VPE_DEQUEUE_STREAM_BUFF_INFO ioctl call that targets the vpe/msm_vpe.c module, while the second vector uses a similar crafted VIDIOC_MSM_CPP_DEQUEUE_STREAM_BUFF_INFO ioctl call against the cpp/msm_cpp.c module. Both attack paths leverage stack buffer overflows that occur when processing user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to achieve privilege escalation from unprivileged user contexts to kernel-level privileges. This elevation of privileges allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the highest system permissions, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that incorporate Qualcomm's MSM camera drivers, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices where camera functionality is frequently utilized and where users may not be aware of the underlying security implications.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental flaw in memory management. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since it can be triggered through camera-related applications or system services that make the affected ioctl calls, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users regularly use camera functionality.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the affected kernel versions through Qualcomm's security updates or Android security patches. System administrators should ensure that all devices running affected kernel versions receive the appropriate firmware updates from the device manufacturers. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel hardening measures can provide defense-in-depth protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected components within their device ecosystems and implement monitoring for suspicious ioctl call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.