CVE-2017-14872 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
While flashing a meta image, a buffer over-read can potentially occur when the number of images are out of the maximum range of 32 in Android releases from CAF using the linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-06-05.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2023
This vulnerability exists in Android devices utilizing Qualcomm chipsets and specifically affects the flashing process of meta images through the linux kernel implementation. The flaw manifests when attempting to flash a meta image containing more than 32 individual images, creating a buffer over-read condition that can potentially lead to system instability or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple Android variants including CAF Android, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-based device ecosystems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the meta image flashing process. When the system processes a meta image with image count exceeding the maximum allowed range of 32, the buffer allocation logic fails to properly validate the input parameters, resulting in memory access beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This buffer over-read condition can be exploited to access sensitive memory locations, potentially exposing kernel memory contents or enabling privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves heap-based memory corruption during the flashing operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker with physical access to a device or the ability to deliver a malicious meta image could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the kernel space, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices running Android releases from CAF using the linux kernel before the security patch level of 2018-06-05, making it particularly dangerous for devices that have not received timely security updates. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of proper input validation controls. Device manufacturers should ensure that all affected platforms receive the security patches released before 2018-06-05, which address the buffer over-read condition through enhanced bounds checking. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security researchers should monitor for similar buffer over-read patterns in other flashing and image processing components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-level operations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the necessity for comprehensive security testing of low-level system components, particularly those handling device firmware updates and flashing operations.