CVE-2017-15831 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, in the function wma_ndp_end_indication_event_handler(), there is no input validation check on a event_info value coming from firmware, which can cause an integer overflow and then leads to potential heap overwrite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum with specific firmware components. The flaw resides in the wma_ndp_end_indication_event_handler() function where firmware-provided event_info values are not properly validated before processing. This absence of input validation creates a critical security gap that allows malicious firmware to manipulate the event_info parameter, potentially leading to integer overflow conditions. The vulnerability specifically affects MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms across various Android releases, including those from QRD Android and Firefox OS for MSM implementations, making it widespread across multiple device types and manufacturers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sequence of memory manipulation attacks that begin with the firmware sending crafted event_info data to the wireless management application layer. When the wma_ndp_end_indication_event_handler() function processes this unvalidated input, it fails to perform proper bounds checking on the event_info value, which can cause arithmetic operations to exceed maximum integer limits. This integer overflow condition subsequently enables heap memory corruption through potential buffer overflows or memory overwrite operations, allowing attackers to manipulate heap structures and potentially execute arbitrary code within the wireless management context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a critical weakness in the wireless subsystem's security architecture. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges within the wireless management application, potentially compromising the entire wireless communication stack. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel layer means that successful exploitation could affect device stability, enable persistent backdoors, or provide attackers with access to sensitive wireless communication data. This weakness particularly impacts devices that rely heavily on wireless connectivity and wireless management features, making it a significant concern for enterprise and consumer devices alike.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the wma_ndp_end_indication_event_handler() function to prevent integer overflow conditions. The fix requires adding proper bounds checking on all firmware-provided event_info values before any arithmetic operations are performed, ensuring that values remain within acceptable ranges. Additionally, memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap integrity checks should be strengthened to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement firmware update policies that ensure all devices receive timely security patches addressing this specific integer overflow vulnerability, while monitoring for potential exploitation attempts in their network traffic.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type. The flaw also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the heap overwrite capability could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the wireless management subsystem. The widespread nature of this vulnerability across multiple Android implementations and device manufacturers demonstrates the systemic security challenges in embedded wireless communication systems and highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation in kernel-level functions. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for security-by-design principles in wireless subsystem implementations and the necessity of rigorous testing for integer overflow conditions in firmware interfaces.