CVE-2017-14911 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-01-05 on Qualcomm Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Automobile APQ8096AU, MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 835, it is possible for the XBL loader to skip the authentication of device config.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14911 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that affected Android devices released before January 5, 2018. This issue resides within the XBL (eXtensible Boot Loader) component which serves as a crucial initial boot stage responsible for authenticating and loading the operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication mechanisms that allow attackers to bypass device configuration verification processes, potentially enabling unauthorized system modifications.
The technical flaw manifests in the XBL loader's failure to properly validate device configuration data during the boot process. This authentication bypass occurs at a fundamental level where the bootloader should verify the integrity and authenticity of configuration parameters before accepting them. The vulnerability specifically affects multiple Snapdragon chipset variants including the APQ8096AU, MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, and various SD series processors. This widespread impact across different chipset families indicates a systemic flaw in Qualcomm's bootloader implementation that affects numerous Android devices including smartphones, tablets, and automotive systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code during the boot process or modify device configurations without proper authentication. This weakness can be exploited to install malicious firmware, modify boot parameters, or gain root-level access to affected devices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system-level access. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, modify system behavior, or deploy malware that survives device reboots.
Devices utilizing affected Snapdragon chipsets are particularly vulnerable because the XBL loader operates at a low level in the boot chain, making it difficult to detect or remediate without firmware updates. The vulnerability affects both consumer and automotive applications, raising concerns about vehicle security systems that rely on these processors. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from device manufacturers, disabling unnecessary boot options, and monitoring for suspicious device behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure boot implementations and proper authentication mechanisms in embedded systems, particularly those used in IoT and automotive environments where security failures can have significant operational and safety implications.