CVE-2017-14909 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 count value that is read from a file is not properly validated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Linux kernel implementation used across various Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android deployments. The core issue manifests when the system reads a count value from a file without proper validation mechanisms, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through improper input handling. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that can lead to buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which occurs when an application fails to validate array indices before using them in memory operations. The flaw is particularly concerning in embedded systems where the Linux kernel serves as the foundational layer for device operations and security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves manipulating the count value read from a file to exceed expected bounds, potentially causing the kernel to access invalid memory locations or overwrite critical data structures. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption since the Linux kernel represents the core of system security and access control mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly broad given that this affects multiple Android variants and Qualcomm-based devices, making it a significant concern for mobile device security and enterprise mobile device management.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, encompassing potential system crashes, data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete system compromise. Organizations relying on these platforms face risks including corporate data breaches, device hijacking, and loss of user privacy. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) indicates that it likely resides in core kernel components that are shared across different device implementations, making remediation efforts more complex. Security teams must consider the implications for mobile device management policies, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass traditional security controls and establish persistent access to mobile environments. The lack of proper validation creates a fundamental weakness in the input processing pipeline that can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications or compromised update mechanisms. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation, kernel hardening measures, and regular security updates to address the underlying validation flaw that allows attackers to manipulate the count value and potentially execute arbitrary code at the kernel level.