CVE-2017-17772 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2024
In multiple functions that process 802.11 frames, out-of-bounds reads can occur due to insufficient validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17772 represents a critical security flaw affecting wireless network processing systems that handle 802.11 frame protocols. This issue manifests across multiple functions within wireless infrastructure components including access points, wireless controllers, and network monitoring systems that process IEEE 802.11 frame data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly examine frame header structures before processing frame content. When these systems encounter malformed or specially crafted 802.11 frames, the insufficient validation allows for out-of-bounds memory reads that can lead to system instability, potential information disclosure, or even remote code execution depending on the specific implementation and system configuration.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and more specifically CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw occurs because wireless frame processing functions do not adequately validate the length fields within 802.11 frame headers before attempting to access memory locations that correspond to frame data. This allows attackers to craft malicious frames with manipulated length fields that cause the processing functions to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in wireless environments where these systems are frequently exposed to untrusted network traffic and where attackers can potentially inject malicious frames without requiring physical proximity or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17772 extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs, as the out-of-bounds read conditions can potentially expose sensitive memory contents to attackers. In wireless access point implementations, this vulnerability can lead to information disclosure attacks where attackers might extract system memory contents, including encryption keys, configuration data, or user credentials stored in memory. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for denial of service conditions that can disrupt wireless network operations and potentially provide attackers with a foothold for further exploitation. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability affects systems that process 802.11 frames in real-time without proper input sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise wireless environments where access points and wireless controllers are constantly processing incoming frames from numerous wireless devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17772 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that enforce proper frame header length validation before any frame data processing occurs. Network administrators should prioritize updating affected systems with vendor-provided patches that address the insufficient validation checks in wireless frame processing functions. The implementation of proper bounds checking and input sanitization should be integrated into all wireless frame handling components, particularly those that process management frames, data frames, and control frames within 802.11 networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for abnormal wireless frame processing behaviors can help identify exploitation attempts before they lead to system compromise. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter indicates that successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access through wireless network interfaces, making proper patch management and network monitoring essential defensive measures.