CVE-2017-14904 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, a crafted binder request can cause an arbitrary unmap in MediaServer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14904 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android-based systems that utilize the Linux kernel and Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This issue specifically impacts MediaServer processes within the Android framework, creating a potential pathway for attackers to exploit memory management functions through carefully constructed binder requests. The vulnerability resides in the kernel-level communication mechanism that facilitates inter-process communication between system components, particularly affecting devices manufactured by Qualcomm and utilizing their MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the binder driver within the Linux kernel, which serves as the primary inter-process communication mechanism in Android systems. When a maliciously crafted binder request is sent to MediaServer, it can trigger an arbitrary unmap operation that allows unauthorized memory unmapping. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation and memory management controls within the kernel's binder subsystem, enabling attackers to manipulate the memory mapping structures of the MediaServer process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with direct access to memory management functions that should normally be restricted to legitimate system processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14904 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the MediaServer context. This allows for potential full system compromise, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques that may leverage the MediaServer's elevated privileges and access to multimedia processing functions. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that utilize the Linux kernel, spanning multiple generations of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and affecting a wide range of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and other Android-based platforms. This broad impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Qualcomm's MSM platforms across the Android ecosystem.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code execution through kernel-level exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management validation in kernel-space operations, as it allows attackers to manipulate memory mappings that should remain protected. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation for binder requests, applying kernel-level patches that strengthen memory management controls, and deploying runtime protections that monitor for anomalous memory mapping operations. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate patch deployment and consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and memory protection mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
This vulnerability exemplifies the ongoing challenges in securing mobile operating systems where kernel-level components must balance performance requirements with security controls. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor memory management issues can create significant security risks when exploited at scale across multiple device platforms. Organizations should maintain continuous monitoring for similar vulnerabilities in their mobile device management systems and ensure that security patches are applied promptly to prevent exploitation of these critical kernel-level flaws that can compromise entire device ecosystems.