CVE-2017-15818 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, while loading a user application in qseecom, an integer overflow could potentially occur if the application partition size is rounded up to page_size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15818 represents a critical integer overflow condition affecting multiple Android variants including MSM-based systems, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This flaw exists within the Qualcomm Android Framework (CAF) components that utilize the Linux kernel for system operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the loading process of user applications within the qseecom subsystem, which serves as a secure execution environment for critical system functions and applications. The qseecom component operates as a trusted execution environment that requires careful handling of memory allocation and application partition management to maintain system integrity and security boundaries.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of application partition sizing calculations within the qseecom loading mechanism. When an application partition size is processed for loading, the system performs rounding operations to align the partition size with page_size boundaries. However, the integer overflow occurs during this rounding process, where the calculation exceeds the maximum representable value for the integer data type used in the computation. This overflow condition creates a scenario where the calculated partition size becomes negative or wraps around to a much smaller positive value, fundamentally corrupting the memory allocation process and potentially allowing malicious actors to manipulate application loading parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise. An attacker who can control or predict application partition sizes might exploit this integer overflow to manipulate memory layout, potentially leading to code execution within the secure execution environment. This represents a significant threat to the security model of qseecom, which is designed to provide isolation between trusted and untrusted code execution contexts. The vulnerability affects all Android releases that utilize CAF components, making it widespread across various device implementations and creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors targeting mobile platforms. The integer overflow condition could enable attackers to bypass memory protection mechanisms, manipulate system resources, or potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges within the secure execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15818 should focus on implementing proper integer overflow protections within the qseecom loading subsystem and ensuring that all partition size calculations include appropriate bounds checking. System vendors should apply patches that validate partition sizes before rounding operations and implement overflow detection mechanisms to prevent the calculation from exceeding safe integer limits. Additionally, memory allocation routines within qseecom should include comprehensive input validation to prevent malformed partition sizes from being processed. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and should consider ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and firmware patches should be prioritized to address this vulnerability across all affected Android implementations, particularly given the widespread nature of the affected platforms and the critical role that qseecom plays in mobile security architectures.