CVE-2017-18053 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 fix_param->vdev_id in wma_p2p_lo_event_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 framework specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel through the Qualcomm Android Flashing (CAF) environment. The issue manifests in the wireless media access layer implementation where the wma_p2p_lo_event_handler() function processes incoming firmware data without adequate validation of the fix_param->vdev_id parameter. This parameter represents a virtual device identifier that is passed from the firmware to the host system during p2p (peer-to-peer) loss event handling operations. The improper input validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted firmware data could cause the system to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, specifically involving out-of-bounds memory access. When the firmware sends a malformed vdev_id value, the kernel driver fails to validate this input before using it as an index into memory structures. This allows for potential information disclosure or system instability, as the system may read arbitrary memory locations or trigger undefined behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities exist, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it affects the core wireless communication functionality of affected devices. Mobile devices utilizing this kernel implementation could experience unexpected crashes, system instability, or potentially unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in memory regions. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting specific firmware responses that manipulate the vdev_id parameter to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including those running Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, making it a widespread concern across multiple operating system variants.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the kernel implementations across all affected platforms. System administrators should prioritize updating firmware components and kernel versions to address the input validation gap in the wma_p2p_lo_event_handler() function. Additional defensive measures include implementing firmware integrity checks and monitoring for anomalous vdev_id values in network traffic. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and information gathering via memory access patterns. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation opportunities, particularly in environments where wireless communication is critical and device integrity cannot be guaranteed.