CVE-2017-14917 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, buffer sizes in the message passing interface are not properly validated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14917 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the Linux kernel implementations used across various Android and Firefox OS platforms. This flaw exists in the message passing interface components that facilitate communication between different kernel modules and user-space applications. The vulnerability specifically targets buffer size validation mechanisms within the kernel's inter-process communication infrastructure, creating potential pathways for malicious code execution and system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel's message passing subsystem. When kernel components process messages from user-space applications or other kernel modules, they fail to properly validate the buffer sizes associated with these communications. This validation gap allows attackers to craft malicious messages with oversized buffer parameters that can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple platforms including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-based devices and kernel implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for affected devices and systems. Attackers can exploit the buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond individual device security to encompass broader network and infrastructure risks, particularly in environments where these devices are deployed. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel means that successful exploitation could result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration capabilities, and complete loss of system integrity. The attack surface is amplified by the widespread adoption of affected kernel versions across mobile and embedded platforms.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14917 should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected platforms, as recommended by the affected vendors and security organizations. System administrators must ensure that all devices running vulnerable kernel versions receive updates promptly to prevent exploitation. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous message passing patterns. Organizations should implement runtime protection measures such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to add additional defense layers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of buffer sizes, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system access through kernel vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable kernel implementations and ensure comprehensive protection coverage across all deployed systems.