CVE-2017-15823 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In spectral_create_samp_msg() in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before 2017-10-11, some values from firmware are not properly validated potentially leading to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15823 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms. This issue resides within the spectral_create_samp_msg() function which processes data from firmware components without adequate validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization where firmware-provided values are directly utilized in buffer operations without proper bounds checking or parameter validation.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during firmware data processing where the spectral_create_samp_msg() function fails to validate the size or content of incoming firmware values before using them in memory allocation or buffer operations. This creates an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted firmware data could cause the function to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android versions prior to the 2017-10-11 security patch release.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to mobile device security as it could be exploited through firmware manipulation or supply chain attacks. An attacker with access to modify firmware components could craft malicious payloads that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially gaining elevated privileges or executing arbitrary code on affected devices. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential large-scale attacks affecting entire device fleets. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to either gain firmware modification capabilities or manipulate the firmware update process to inject malicious data that bypasses normal validation procedures. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through firmware manipulation and could be classified as a supply chain attack vector. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple platform variants including mobile operating systems used in various consumer and enterprise devices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware update deployment, enhanced firmware validation procedures, and monitoring for suspicious firmware modification activities to prevent exploitation attempts.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation across all system components, particularly in firmware interfaces where traditional software security measures may not fully apply. The fix for this vulnerability required implementing proper bounds checking and parameter validation within the spectral_create_samp_msg() function to ensure that firmware values are properly validated before use in buffer operations. This represents a fundamental security principle that should be applied across all firmware and embedded system interfaces to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from occurring in other system components.