CVE-2017-18052 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, with all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, improper input validation for cmpl_params->num_reports, param_buf->desc_ids and param_buf->status in wma_mgmt_tx_bundle_completion_handler(), which is received from firmware, leads to potential out of bounds memory read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system and related platforms that utilize the Linux kernel, specifically affecting devices using the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. The flaw manifests in the wireless management subsystem where the wma_mgmt_tx_bundle_completion_handler() function processes incoming firmware data without proper validation of critical parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation of three key data structures: cmpl_params->num_reports, param_buf->desc_ids, and param_buf->status. These parameters are received directly from the firmware component and are subsequently used in memory operations that could exceed allocated bounds. The improper validation allows an attacker to craft malicious firmware responses that manipulate these parameters to reference memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to influence or inject malformed firmware responses that contain oversized values for the num_reports field or improperly sized arrays in desc_ids and status fields. When the wireless management driver processes these parameters, it uses them directly in loop counters or array indexing operations without bounds checking, leading to out-of-bounds memory reads. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically representing an insufficient input validation scenario where array indices are not properly constrained. The attack surface is particularly significant in mobile environments where firmware updates and wireless communications are frequent operations, and the vulnerability could be exploited through malicious wireless transmissions or compromised firmware update mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential pathways for information disclosure and system instability. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially read sensitive data from adjacent memory regions, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in memory. The out-of-bounds read behavior could also cause system crashes or unpredictable behavior that might be leveraged for denial-of-service attacks or as a stepping stone for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and control communications and could be used in conjunction with other techniques to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the mobile device environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the wireless management subsystem. The recommended approach includes adding comprehensive bounds checking for all parameters received from firmware before any memory operations are performed. Specifically, the num_reports field should be validated against maximum expected values, and the size of desc_ids and status arrays should be verified against the allocated buffer sizes. Additionally, implementing defensive programming practices such as using safe string and array operations, adding memory protection mechanisms, and ensuring proper firmware validation procedures should be enforced. System updates and patches should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the prevalence of wireless communications and the potential for firmware-based attacks in mobile environments.