CVE-2017-17766 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In wma_peer_info_event_handler() in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before 2017-10-03, the value of num_peers received from firmware is not properly validated so that an integer overflow vulnerability in the size of a buffer allocation may potentially lead to a buffer overflow.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17766 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This vulnerability resides within the wma_peer_info_event_handler function which processes peer information events from wireless firmware components. The flaw manifests when the system receives a value for num_peers parameter from the firmware without proper validation, creating potential for arbitrary code execution through memory corruption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the wireless management subsystem. When firmware transmits the num_peers value, the receiving code fails to verify that this value remains within acceptable bounds before using it to calculate buffer allocation sizes. This oversight creates a scenario where an attacker could craft malicious firmware responses containing oversized num_peers values that, when processed, result in integer overflow conditions. The overflow occurs during the buffer size calculation phase, leading to insufficient memory allocation that subsequently enables buffer overflow conditions when the system attempts to write data beyond allocated boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to mobile device security as it operates at the wireless management layer where firmware communication occurs. The attack surface extends across multiple device types including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices running affected Android variants. The potential impact includes complete system compromise, unauthorized data access, and persistent backdoor establishment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within trusted firmware communication channels, making detection and prevention challenging. The integer overflow can lead to memory corruption that may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire device.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates and system patches from device manufacturers. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous firmware communication patterns and establish secure firmware update mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. Device manufacturers must conduct thorough code reviews of wireless management components and implement robust input validation procedures. Additionally, system administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for suspicious buffer allocation patterns and establish incident response protocols specifically addressing firmware-based attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of firmware interfaces.