CVE-2017-17771 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In msm_isp_prepare_v4l2_buf in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before 2017-02-12, an array out of bounds can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17771 represents a critical array out of bounds condition affecting mobile operating systems based on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw exists within the msm_isp_prepare_v4l2_buf function, which serves as a crucial component in the multimedia subsystem responsible for image signal processing operations. The vulnerability impacts Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android versions prior to the 2017-02-12 security patch release, exposing millions of devices to potential exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient bounds checking within the image processing pipeline of mobile devices. The msm_isp_prepare_v4l2_buf function handles buffer preparation for video4linux2 (V4L2) operations, which are essential for camera functionality and multimedia processing. When processing certain malformed input data or specific camera buffer configurations, the function fails to validate array indices properly, leading to memory access violations that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. This condition falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array operations, making it a classic example of memory safety vulnerabilities that have plagued embedded systems for decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated attack vectors targeting mobile device security. Attackers could potentially exploit this condition by crafting malicious camera buffer inputs that trigger the out of bounds access, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This represents a significant threat to device integrity and user privacy, as it could enable attackers to bypass security mechanisms, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability's presence in multiple operating systems including both Android and Firefox OS demonstrates the widespread nature of this flaw across Qualcomm-based mobile platforms, making it particularly concerning for manufacturers and security professionals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17771 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security patches released in February 2017. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of the updated firmware and kernel components that address the bounds checking deficiencies in the msm_isp_prepare_v4l2_buf function. Security researchers and system administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and intrusion detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1068 technique for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as it allows for kernel-level code execution through improper memory handling. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific array out of bounds condition.