CVE-2017-14889 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, due to the lack of a range check on the array index into the WMI descriptor pool, arbitrary address execution may potentially occur in the process mgmt completion handler.
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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 systems built on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. The flaw manifests in the management of WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) descriptor pools where insufficient validation occurs on array index values during process completion handling. This represents a classic buffer overflow condition that could potentially allow for arbitrary code execution at kernel level. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum and extends to Firefox OS implementations, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-based mobile platforms. According to CWE-129, this corresponds to an insufficient validation of array index, which allows for out-of-bounds memory access that can be exploited to execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs within the mgmt completion handler context where WMI descriptor pool operations are processed. When the system handles management completion events, it fails to validate that the array index used to access the WMI descriptor pool remains within legitimate bounds. This allows an attacker with kernel-level privileges or through a compromised user-space application to craft malicious inputs that manipulate the index value beyond the allocated array boundaries. The resulting out-of-bounds memory access can lead to memory corruption, potentially enabling privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the kernel space. The ATT&CK framework classification would place this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging kernel vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects the fundamental security model of Qualcomm-based Android and Firefox OS devices. Device manufacturers and users face significant risks since the vulnerability exists in the kernel level processing of WMI operations, which are commonly used in system management and device control functions. The potential for arbitrary code execution in kernel space means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass all security controls and potentially install persistent backdoors. This vulnerability also impacts the device's ability to maintain secure boot processes and integrity verification mechanisms that rely on proper WMI descriptor handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate protection and long-term security improvements. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates from device manufacturers and the Code Aurora Forum that include proper bounds checking for WMI descriptor pool access. The fix typically involves implementing range validation checks before array index access occurs in the mgmt completion handler functions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious WMI descriptor pool access patterns and ensure that all device firmware and kernel components are regularly updated. Security teams should also review and harden kernel configurations to reduce the attack surface while implementing proper input validation controls that align with secure coding practices recommended by NIST guidelines for kernel-level development.