CVE-2017-14892 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the function msm_pcm_hw_params() in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before 2017-09-19, the return value of q6asm_open_shared_io() is not checked properly potentially leading to a possible dangling pointer access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14892 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Android MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems prior to the 2017-09-19 security patch. This flaw exists within the msm_pcm_hw_params() function, which serves as a crucial component in the audio subsystem of these mobile operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms that fail to validate the return value of the q6asm_open_shared_io() function call, creating a scenario where the system continues execution despite potential failures in the underlying audio interface initialization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereferences and improper handling of function return values. When q6asm_open_shared_io() fails to establish proper communication with the audio subsystem, the msm_pcm_hw_params() function does not properly check this failure condition before proceeding with subsequent operations. This oversight creates a path where the system may attempt to access memory locations through a dangling pointer that was never properly initialized or validated. The dangling pointer access occurs because the function continues to operate as if the audio interface initialization was successful, even when it has actually failed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. Attackers could exploit this condition by manipulating audio playback scenarios that trigger the msm_pcm_hw_params() function with specific parameters that cause q6asm_open_shared_io() to return an error state. This exploitation vector represents a significant concern within the mobile security landscape, as audio subsystem vulnerabilities often provide attackers with privileged execution contexts that can be leveraged for more extensive system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects devices running vulnerable versions of Android and Firefox OS for MSM platforms, where the audio processing pipeline lacks proper error validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14892 require immediate implementation of the security patch released by Google and Mozilla in their respective security updates for September 2017. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to versions containing the corrected msm_pcm_hw_params() function that properly validates the return value of q6asm_open_shared_io() before proceeding with audio interface operations. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for anomalous audio subsystem behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in embedded systems and mobile operating environments, where failure to validate system calls can lead to critical security breaches. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation might involve manipulating audio subsystem calls to achieve privilege escalation or code execution within the device's operating environment.