CVE-2017-15857 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the camera driver, an out-of-bounds access can occur due to an error in copying region params from user space in all Android releases from CAF (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) using the Linux Kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15857 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within the camera driver component of Android systems. This issue affects all Android releases that utilize the Linux kernel through the Camera Abstraction Framework (CAF) including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to copy region parameters from user space into kernel space, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation that could compromise the integrity and security of the underlying operating system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters during the region parameter copying process within the camera driver. When user-space applications provide region configuration data to the kernel-level camera driver, the system fails to adequately verify the bounds of the provided parameters before attempting to copy them into kernel memory structures. This absence of proper boundary checking creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated memory boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within kernel space. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and represents a classic example of buffer overflow conditions in kernel drivers.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15857 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code with kernel-level permissions. This presents a significant threat to device security since camera drivers typically operate with high privileges necessary for hardware access, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent system-level access. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems that utilize Qualcomm MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms, potentially compromising millions of devices running affected Android versions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to bypass security mechanisms, install malicious software, or extract sensitive data from compromised devices, with implications for both individual privacy and enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15857 require immediate attention through official security patches provided by device manufacturers and Google. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the camera driver code to prevent unauthorized memory access. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android systems to versions that include fixes for this vulnerability, while also implementing runtime monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider network-based detection measures that monitor for suspicious camera driver activity and implement application whitelisting to limit user-space applications that can interact with camera hardware. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and represents a critical component of Android security hardening efforts that should be integrated into comprehensive vulnerability management programs.