CVE-2017-14873 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, in the pp_pgc_get_config() graphics driver function, a kernel memory overwrite can potentially occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14873 represents a critical kernel memory overwrite flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM (Mobile Station Modem) devices, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This issue resides within the pp_pgc_get_config() function of the graphics driver component, which operates at the kernel level and interacts directly with hardware graphics processing units. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the graphics driver subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious code to overwrite kernel memory regions that should remain protected and immutable during normal system operation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a buffer overflow condition in the graphics driver's configuration retrieval mechanism. When the pp_pgc_get_config() function processes incoming graphics configuration parameters, it fails to properly validate the size or content of input data, allowing an attacker to provide oversized or malformed parameters that exceed allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially lead to privilege escalation from user-space applications to kernel-space execution, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in memory management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across various Android implementations and hardware platforms. Attackers leveraging this flaw could potentially gain root access to affected devices, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious applications, or exfiltrate sensitive user data. The widespread nature of this vulnerability across multiple Android variants and hardware manufacturers means that a successful exploitation could affect millions of devices simultaneously, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and consumer devices alike. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters, as the compromised kernel access would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands with full system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14873 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions and implementation of kernel memory protection mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected devices to patched kernel versions provided by device manufacturers, as the vulnerability affects the core kernel components that cannot be effectively protected through user-space security measures alone. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel address space layout randomization, enabling kernel module signing verification, and deploying runtime memory protection systems that can detect and prevent buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any custom or modified kernel implementations that might be vulnerable, as the issue affects all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, making it essential to verify patch coverage across all system components. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level memory corruption issue means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may be insufficient, requiring comprehensive system hardening approaches that address both the immediate exploit and broader security posture of affected platforms.