CVE-2017-14879 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, by calling an IPA ioctl and searching for routing/filer/hdr rule handle from ipa_idr pointer using ipa_idr_find() function, the wrong structure pointer can be returned resulting in a slab out of bound access in the IPA driver.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementation of the IPA (Internet Protocol Accelerator) driver used in various Android and Firefox OS platforms. The issue stems from improper handling of kernel memory structures during ioctl operations, specifically when processing IPA commands through the ipa_idr_find() function. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker invokes an IPA ioctl operation and subsequently searches for routing, filter, or header rule handles using the ipa_idr_find() function, which can return an incorrect structure pointer. This misidentification leads to a slab out of bounds memory access condition that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw affects all Android releases from CAF (Code_Amarok_Foundation) that utilize the Linux kernel, making it a widespread issue across multiple device platforms and firmware versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of kernel data structures through the IPA driver's internal management system. When the ipa_idr_find() function processes requests for rule handles, it fails to properly validate the returned structure pointers against the expected memory layout. This improper validation allows for a situation where a pointer to an incorrect kernel memory structure is dereferenced, leading to out of bounds access within the kernel's slab allocator. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overread condition that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which is classified as a memory safety error. The attack vector requires a privileged user context to execute the malicious ioctl commands, though the impact extends to full system compromise through kernel memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides a pathway for privilege escalation attacks within the Android kernel environment. An attacker with local access to a device can potentially leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or complete device takeover. The vulnerability's presence in the IPA driver means that any application or service that can make IPA ioctl calls may be exploited, including system services and potentially malicious applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges and potentially establish persistent access to the device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through official security updates from device manufacturers and the Android Open Source Project. System administrators should ensure that all devices running affected kernel versions receive the appropriate security patches as soon as they become available. Additionally, kernel lockdown mechanisms and privilege separation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment. The implementation of kernel memory protection features such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and control flow integrity checks can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Device manufacturers should also implement stricter input validation and pointer validation mechanisms within kernel drivers to prevent similar out of bounds access conditions from occurring in future implementations.