CVE-2017-18059 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_scan_event_callback(), 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 Qualcomm chipsets through the Common Android Framework. The issue manifests in the wireless management subsystem where the wma_scan_event_callback() function processes scan event notifications from the firmware. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate the virtual device identifier parameter received from the firmware, creating a potential out of bounds memory read condition. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, which is classified as CWE-129 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that could enable malicious actors to potentially read sensitive memory locations that they should not have access to.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have control over the firmware or to exploit a scenario where malicious firmware can be injected into the system. When the wma_scan_event_callback() function processes the vdev id parameter, it does not perform adequate bounds checking on the received value before using it to access memory structures. This allows for a situation where an attacker could craft a malformed scan event message containing an invalid vdev id that points to memory outside the intended bounds. The improper input validation creates a path where the system attempts to read memory at an address determined by the unvalidated input, potentially exposing kernel memory contents including sensitive data, credentials, or system information. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that use the Linux kernel and operate with Qualcomm MSM (Mobile Station Modem) chipsets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the memory locations accessed. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to kernel memory regions that contain confidential information, system configuration data, or even credentials stored in memory. The out of bounds read could expose sensitive kernel data structures, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. This vulnerability affects the broader Android ecosystem, particularly devices that rely on Qualcomm's wireless subsystem implementations, and represents a significant concern for mobile device security. The attack vector typically involves firmware manipulation or exploitation of a trusted communication channel between the wireless hardware and the operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the wireless management subsystem. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all incoming parameters from firmware are thoroughly validated before use, particularly when dealing with device identifiers and memory access operations. The fix involves adding bounds checking to the vdev id parameter in the wma_scan_event_callback() function to prevent access to memory locations outside the valid range. Additionally, implementing proper firmware authentication and integrity checking mechanisms can help prevent malicious firmware from being executed on the system. Organizations should also consider applying security patches and updates provided by the device manufacturers and the Linux kernel community. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel space operations and the need for comprehensive input validation across all system components that interact with external data sources. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on exploiting weaknesses in system design and implementation, particularly in kernel-level components where proper validation of inputs is critical for maintaining system integrity.