CVE-2017-18057 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 vdev id in wma_nlo_scan_cmp_evt_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 issue resides in the wireless management subsystem where the wma_nlo_scan_cmp_evt_handler() function processes vdev id values received from firmware components. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low-level kernel component that handles wireless network scanning operations, making it accessible through normal device operation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the wireless management driver code. When firmware sends vdev id information to the wma_nlo_scan_cmp_evt_handler() function, the system does not sufficiently validate whether the received value falls within expected parameter ranges. This allows an attacker to potentially manipulate the input data to cause the function to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a memory safety issue that can lead to information disclosure or system instability, as the out-of-bounds read may expose sensitive kernel memory contents to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18057 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more severe exploitation techniques. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into kernel memory layouts, potentially enabling subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including CAF-based releases, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-powered devices. This cross-platform nature suggests that exploitation techniques could be developed that work across various device types, increasing the overall threat surface.
Mitigation strategies should focus on input validation improvements and kernel updates that address the specific bounds checking deficiency in the wireless management subsystem. Organizations should prioritize applying security patches from device manufacturers and ensure that firmware updates are regularly deployed to address this vulnerability. The implementation of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the wma_nlo_scan_cmp_evt_handler() function would prevent malicious input from causing out-of-bounds memory access. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous firmware communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 and CWE-787 categories, representing improper input validation and out-of-bounds read conditions respectively, and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack chains in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the system binary modification and privilege escalation domains.