CVE-2017-14896 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, there is a memory allocation without a length field validation in the mobicore driver which can result in an undersize buffer allocation. Ultimately this can result in a kernel memory overwrite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-14896 represents a critical memory safety issue within the mobicore driver component of Android-based systems developed by Code Aurora Forum. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel implementations across multiple Android variants including MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory allocation mechanisms within the mobicore driver, which serves as a secure execution environment for processing sensitive operations in mobile devices. The flaw manifests when the driver performs memory allocation without proper validation of length parameters, creating a scenario where buffer sizes may be insufficient for the data being processed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes insufficient length validation during memory allocation operations. The mobicore driver, designed to provide a trusted execution environment for secure processing, fails to validate the length field before allocating memory buffers. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate the length parameter to trigger an undersized buffer allocation. When the system attempts to write data into this improperly sized buffer, it can overwrite adjacent kernel memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability exists across all Android releases from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential path to privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers who can control the input parameters to the mobicore driver can exploit this weakness to overwrite critical kernel memory structures, potentially gaining elevated privileges within the system. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and can be leveraged for persistent system compromise. The kernel memory overwrite can lead to denial of service conditions, data corruption, or more severe consequences including complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but entire device ecosystems that rely on the mobicore secure execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require multiple layers of defense including immediate firmware and kernel updates from device manufacturers, implementation of input validation controls within the mobicore driver code, and runtime memory protection mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize patching affected devices and monitoring for suspicious memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in kernel-level drivers. Security researchers recommend implementing bounds checking and length validation before any memory allocation operations, particularly in secure execution environments where memory safety is paramount. Additionally, deploying kernel memory protection features such as stack canaries and memory sanitization tools can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application control and monitoring systems to detect anomalous behavior indicative of memory corruption attacks. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules and secure coding practices in embedded systems development.