CVE-2017-14869 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, while performing update of FOTA partition, uninitialized data can be pushed to storage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system and related platforms that utilize the Linux kernel from Qualcomm Atheros Fusion (CAF) components. The flaw manifests during the Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) partition update process where the system fails to properly initialize memory segments before writing data to persistent storage. This represents a classic security weakness that falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and can be categorized as a memory corruption vulnerability within the firmware update mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system performs partition updates without ensuring that all memory areas are properly initialized before data is written to storage devices. During FOTA operations, the kernel components responsible for handling firmware updates may copy data to storage without first clearing or initializing memory buffers that could contain residual data from previous operations. This uninitialized data can include remnants of sensitive information, system configuration parameters, or even potentially malicious content that was previously stored in those memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for mobile device security and firmware integrity. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to inject malicious data into firmware partitions or to extract sensitive information that was previously stored in uninitialized memory areas. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based systems, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across Qualcomm-powered devices. This flaw creates opportunities for persistent threats that could compromise device security, potentially enabling attackers to modify firmware components or create backdoors within the device's boot process.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privileges to gain elevated access. The uninitialized memory exposure could enable attackers to manipulate firmware update processes and potentially achieve root-level persistence on affected devices. The vulnerability also relates to T1014 which covers rootkit techniques, as compromised firmware partitions could allow for stealthy persistence mechanisms. Organizations and device manufacturers should implement comprehensive memory initialization protocols during firmware update operations to address this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on ensuring proper memory management during FOTA operations by implementing mandatory initialization routines before any data is written to storage. Device manufacturers must verify that all memory buffers are cleared or initialized before firmware updates occur, particularly in the kernel-level components that handle partition management. Regular security audits of firmware update processes and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent uninitialized memory usage should be enforced. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date firmware and applying security patches promptly helps reduce exposure to this vulnerability while also implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized firmware modifications.