CVE-2017-14899 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 the QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_SET_TXPOWER_SCALE_DECR_DB vendor command, in which attribute QCA_WLAN_VENDOR_ATTR_TXPOWER_SCALE_DECR_DB contains fewer than 1 byte, a buffer overrun occurs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementation used in various Android platforms including MSM devices, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The flaw manifests during the processing of vendor-specific wireless commands, specifically the QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_SET_TXPOWER_SCALE_DECR_DB command which is part of the Qualcomm QCA vendor interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when handling the QCA_WLAN_VENDOR_ATTR_TXPOWER_SCALE_DECR_DB attribute, which is expected to contain a specific byte length for power scaling parameters. When this attribute contains fewer than one byte of data, the kernel fails to properly validate the input size before attempting to process the data, leading to a classic buffer overrun condition.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs at the kernel level where memory boundaries are not properly enforced during wireless power control operations. This buffer overrun represents a critical security flaw that allows for potential arbitrary code execution within the kernel space, as attackers can manipulate the input data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects systems using the Linux kernel with Qualcomm's wireless driver implementations and impacts all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that incorporate these kernel components. The flaw is classified as a buffer overflow under CWE-121, which represents a common class of vulnerabilities where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain elevated privileges within the kernel execution environment. Successful exploitation could enable adversaries to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects wireless functionality across multiple device types and platforms, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices where wireless connectivity is essential. The attack surface is broad since it affects various Qualcomm-based devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize the affected kernel implementations. The vulnerability can be triggered remotely through wireless network interactions, making it a significant concern for device security and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the latest security patches from device manufacturers and the Code Aurora Forum, which typically involve implementing proper input validation and bounds checking for the affected vendor command attributes. System administrators should ensure that all devices are updated with the latest kernel versions that address this specific buffer overrun condition. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless command sequences may help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and kernel exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing device firmware integrity checks and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in embedded systems and wireless components.