CVE-2017-14882 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 processing VENDOR specific action frame in the function lim_process_action_vendor_specific(), a comparison is performed with the incoming action frame body without validating if the action frame body received is of valid length, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementation used in various Android devices and Firefox OS platforms, specifically affecting versions that utilize the Qualcomm Android Flashing (CAF) framework. The flaw manifests in the lim_process_action_vendor_specific() function which handles vendor-specific action frames during wireless communication processing. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation where the system performs a comparison operation against the action frame body without first verifying that the received frame contains sufficient data to support the comparison. This fundamental lack of bounds checking creates a condition where an attacker could craft a malicious vendor-specific action frame with intentionally short or malformed data, causing the system to attempt memory access beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level within wireless communication protocols, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where the comparison operation assumes a minimum data length that may not be present in the actual received frame. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could be exploited through wireless network attacks where an attacker positions themselves within range of affected devices to transmit specially crafted action frames. The attack vector typically involves sending malformed vendor-specific action frames to the target device's wireless interface, causing the kernel to process the frame and subsequently trigger the out-of-bounds memory access. This could result in system instability, denial of service conditions, or potentially more severe outcomes depending on the specific implementation details and memory layout of the affected systems.
The impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device types including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices running the affected Android variants and Firefox OS implementations. The exploitation requires the attacker to be within wireless communication range of the target device and capable of injecting malicious frames into the wireless network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through wireless protocols, though the specific execution mechanism involves kernel-level memory corruption rather than traditional command execution. The vulnerability affects devices that implement the Linux kernel wireless subsystem, particularly those using Qualcomm chipsets and the CAF framework for Android development. Mitigation strategies include applying kernel-level patches that implement proper bounds checking before performing any comparison operations on vendor-specific action frames, as well as implementing input validation mechanisms that verify frame length consistency before processing. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and consider network-level monitoring to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should implement robust input validation procedures in wireless protocol implementations to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases, following secure coding practices that emphasize proper bounds checking and input validation as recommended by the CERT/CC secure coding standards.