CVE-2017-14908 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, the SafeSwitch test application does not properly validate the number of blocks to verify.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14908 affects Android-based systems that utilize the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum, specifically impacting MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms and QRD Android implementations. This security flaw resides within the SafeSwitch test application, which is designed to verify the integrity of system blocks during the boot process or other critical operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the number of blocks being verified, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the category of improper input validation, which is classified as CWE-20 by the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The SafeSwitch application operates as a security verification mechanism that should ensure system integrity by validating block counts during critical operations. However, the application fails to properly validate the number of blocks to verify, allowing for potential manipulation of the verification process. This weakness creates a condition where an attacker could potentially bypass the intended security checks by providing malformed or excessive block count parameters that the application does not properly sanitize or validate.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to device security as it could allow unauthorized modifications to critical system components. The impact extends beyond simple bypass of verification mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to install malicious code or modify system files without proper authentication. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple device manufacturers and platform implementations. This creates a substantial attack surface that could be exploited in various scenarios including device rooting, firmware modification, or privilege escalation attacks.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Defense Evasion' and 'Privilege Escalation' domains. Attackers could leverage this flaw to circumvent system integrity checks that are fundamental to maintaining device security. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the boot process verification mechanisms, which are critical for preventing unauthorized system modifications. The flaw could enable attackers to modify system partitions, install rootkits, or perform other malicious activities that would otherwise be prevented by proper block verification processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14908 should focus on implementing proper input validation within the SafeSwitch application and ensuring that all block count parameters are properly sanitized before processing. Organizations should update their affected systems to versions that contain patched implementations of the SafeSwitch test application with proper validation mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous block verification patterns. The remediation approach should include code reviews to ensure that similar validation issues are not present in other security-critical applications and that proper boundary checks are implemented throughout the system verification processes.