CVE-2017-15826 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Due to a race condition in MDSS rotator in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before 2017-10-20, a double free vulnerability may potentially exist when two threads free the same perf structures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15826 represents a critical race condition affecting multiple mobile operating systems including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android versions prior to the 2017-10-20 security patch release. This flaw manifests within the MDSS rotator component which is responsible for managing graphics rendering operations on Qualcomm MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms. The race condition occurs when multiple threads attempt to access and free the same performance monitoring structures simultaneously, creating a scenario where memory management operations become inconsistent and potentially exploitable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the MDSS rotator subsystem. When concurrent threads execute code paths that lead to the freeing of identical memory structures, the system's memory management routines fail to properly coordinate these operations. This double free condition arises because the underlying code does not implement adequate locking mechanisms or atomic operations to prevent multiple threads from simultaneously accessing and deallocating the same memory resources. The flaw specifically impacts the performance monitoring structures used by the graphics subsystem, where the race condition creates a window of opportunity for memory corruption that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15826 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the graphics driver or system services that utilize the affected MDSS rotator component. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which categorizes race conditions as a fundamental flaw in concurrent programming where multiple threads access shared resources without proper synchronization. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially achieve code execution or denial of service conditions that could affect the entire device functionality.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of mobile platform security where low-level graphics drivers represent significant attack surfaces. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as attackers could leverage the double free condition to gain elevated privileges or disrupt system operations. The affected platforms include devices running on Qualcomm MSM architectures where the MDSS rotator component handles critical graphics processing functions. Organizations should prioritize patch management for this vulnerability as it represents a persistent risk across multiple mobile operating systems and device manufacturers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper concurrent programming practices and the necessity of thorough testing for race conditions in system-level components that handle shared resources. Security teams should implement monitoring for anomalous memory allocation patterns and consider the broader implications of such low-level vulnerabilities in mobile device security postures.