CVE-2017-15824 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android releases from CAF using the linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-06-05, the function UpdateDeviceStatus() writes a local stack buffer without initialization to flash memory using WriteToPartition() which may potentially leak memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15824 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Android devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and other MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms. This flaw exists within the Linux kernel implementation used by these mobile operating systems including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android variants. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the UpdateDeviceStatus() function which operates within the device's firmware or kernel space, creating a potential pathway for information disclosure through memory leakage mechanisms. The affected devices are those that received security patches prior to June 5th, 2018, indicating that this represents a known vulnerability that was addressed through subsequent security updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the UpdateDeviceStatus() function where a local stack buffer is written to flash memory without proper initialization. This uninitialized buffer contains residual data from previous operations or memory contents that were not explicitly cleared before use. When the WriteToPartition() function executes to persist this data to non-volatile storage, it inadvertently transfers uninitialized memory contents to persistent storage, potentially exposing sensitive information that was previously stored in memory locations. This type of vulnerability directly corresponds to CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables, and represents a classic example of memory leakage through improper buffer management. The flaw occurs at the kernel level where device status information is maintained, making it particularly dangerous as it operates with elevated privileges and can access system-critical data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to extract sensitive data from affected devices. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to recover previously stored data from memory locations that were not properly cleared, including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information that might be cached in memory before the buffer write operation. The implications are particularly severe for mobile devices where the kernel interacts with various security-sensitive components including secure element communications, encryption operations, and device authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability could be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to compromise device integrity and user privacy, making it a significant concern for organizations deploying affected Android platforms. The attack surface is particularly broad given that this affects multiple Android variants and Qualcomm-based hardware platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15824 primarily focus on applying the security patches released by device manufacturers and Qualcomm, specifically targeting the June 2018 security update cycle. Device administrators should ensure that all affected devices receive the appropriate kernel-level patches that address the uninitialized buffer handling in the UpdateDeviceStatus() function. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous flash memory write operations. The recommended approach includes verifying that all memory buffers are properly initialized before being written to persistent storage, implementing proper memory management practices, and conducting regular security assessments of kernel modules. Organizations should also consider implementing device firmware integrity checks and monitoring for unauthorized modifications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. This remediation aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1547.001 for registry run keys or startup folder, as adversaries might attempt to establish persistence through modified system components that could leverage such memory leakage vulnerabilities.