CVE-2017-15862 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, in wma_unified_link_radio_stats_event_handler(), the number of radio channels coming from firmware is not properly validated, potentially leading to an integer overflow vulnerability followed by a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15862 resides within Qualcomm's Android-based products that utilize the Linux kernel through the Code Aurora Forum CAF framework. This flaw manifests in the wma_unified_link_radio_stats_event_handler() function where the system fails to properly validate the number of radio channels received from firmware components. The absence of proper input validation creates a critical security gap that can be exploited through malicious firmware communication, potentially compromising the integrity and stability of the affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate integer overflow protection mechanisms within the radio statistics handling code. When firmware sends channel count data to the wma_unified_link_radio_stats_event_handler() function, the system does not validate whether the received value falls within acceptable bounds. This validation failure allows an attacker to manipulate the channel count parameter to exceed the maximum representable value for the integer type being used, resulting in an integer overflow condition. Subsequently, this overflow translates into a buffer overflow scenario where the system attempts to allocate memory or access arrays using the corrupted channel count value, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15862 extends beyond simple system instability to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could theoretically execute malicious code within the context of the kernel or application processes, depending on how the buffer overflow manifests. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm-powered devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that rely on the Linux kernel for their operating system functionality. This widespread exposure increases the potential attack surface significantly, particularly in environments where these devices connect to untrusted networks or receive firmware updates from external sources.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow issues. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly attractive for attackers seeking persistent access to mobile devices, as successful exploitation could provide a foothold for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within connected networks. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of firmware updates provided by Qualcomm and device manufacturers, along with implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted environments. System administrators should also consider enabling kernel hardening features such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit prevention mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring for unusual channel count parameters in radio statistics logs can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments of mobile device management policies should be conducted to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.