CVE-2017-18061 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, potential buffer overflow can happen when processing AOA measurement event from WIGIG firmware in wil_aoa_evt_meas().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system and related firmware components that utilize the Linux kernel as their foundation. The flaw manifests specifically in the wil_aoa_evt_meas() function which handles processing AOA measurement events from WIGIG firmware. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when handling data structures received from wireless firmware components. This buffer overflow condition occurs during the processing of Angle of Arrival measurement events, which are critical for wireless positioning and connectivity management. The affected systems include various Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that incorporate the Linux kernel, as well as Firefox OS implementations for MSM platforms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level, where malicious input could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the wil_aoa_evt_meas() function fails to properly validate the size of incoming data from WIGIG firmware. When processing AOA measurement events, the system allocates a fixed-size buffer and copies data from the firmware without adequate bounds checking. This allows an attacker with access to the WIGIG firmware or ability to inject malicious data into the wireless communication channel to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The overflow can potentially overwrite critical function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures within the kernel memory space. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack surface is primarily through wireless communication interfaces where firmware can send measurement data to the host system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability or crashes. An attacker who can manipulate WIGIG firmware data or inject malicious measurement events could potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to complete system compromise. This would enable attackers to bypass security restrictions, access sensitive data, install persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain root access. The vulnerability affects devices that utilize WIGIG (Wireless Internet for the GIGA) technology for wireless communication, which includes various smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that support advanced wireless positioning features. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where wireless communication is actively used and where firmware updates may not be promptly deployed. This vulnerability could be exploited as part of broader attack chains targeting mobile devices, potentially enabling lateral movement within corporate networks or access to sensitive enterprise data. The impact is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators. The primary recommendation involves applying firmware updates from the Code Aurora Forum or respective device vendors that address the buffer overflow in the wil_aoa_evt_meas() function. Kernel-level patches should include enhanced input validation, proper bounds checking, and memory allocation safeguards to prevent overflows. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous WIGIG firmware communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary wireless positioning features when not required can reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit wireless communication access and maintain regular vulnerability assessments for wireless components. The mitigation approach aligns with industry best practices for kernel security and follows guidelines established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for mobile device security hardening. Regular security audits and firmware update policies should be established to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities in wireless communication stacks.