CVE-2017-14910 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overread is possible if there are no newlines in an input file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14910 represents a critical buffer overread condition affecting Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum and utilize the Linux kernel. This flaw manifests specifically when processing input files that lack newline characters, creating a scenario where the system reads beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the kernel-level code responsible for handling file processing operations.
This technical flaw falls under the category of CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where a program accesses memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently without requiring special privileges or user interaction, making it an ideal candidate for exploitation in automated attack scenarios. The absence of newline characters in input files triggers a specific code path where the kernel's file parsing routine fails to properly terminate string processing, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14910 extends across numerous Qualcomm Snapdragon processor-based devices running Android operating systems, including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that utilize the Linux kernel framework. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input files that lack newlines, potentially leading to privilege escalation, denial of service conditions, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries use command and scripting interpreters to gain system access. Additionally, the flaw demonstrates characteristics of T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel-level vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Qualcomm products through Android security updates and kernel modifications. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce proper newline character handling in all file processing operations. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected kernel versions and ensure timely deployment of security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation in kernel-level code development. Given the nature of the flaw, network administrators should monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implement proper file validation mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of kernel components and input handling routines should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in the codebase.