CVE-2017-18063 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 nlo_event in wma_nlo_match_evt_handler(), which is received from firmware, leads to potential out of bound memory access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Android operating system and related mobile platforms that utilize the Linux kernel as their foundation. The issue specifically targets the wireless management subsystem where the nlo_event parameter is processed through the wma_nlo_match_evt_handler() function. The flaw emerges from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the boundaries and integrity of data received from the firmware component. This represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that can occur when the system does not adequately check the size or format of incoming data before processing it. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including MSM (Mobile Services Module) versions, Firefox OS implementations, and QRD Android releases, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-based mobile platforms that rely on the Linux kernel architecture. The improper validation occurs at the point where network location optimization events are handled, creating a pathway for malicious data injection that could compromise system stability and security.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the reception of malformed nlo_event data from the wireless firmware component, which is then passed to the wma_nlo_match_evt_handler() function without sufficient boundary checks. This function processes network location optimization match events that are critical for location-based services and wireless connectivity management. When the system encounters improperly formatted or oversized data structures, the lack of validation leads to memory access violations that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where memory management is handled, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially escalate privileges and allow attackers to gain deeper system access. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests in a more complex memory access pattern due to the kernel-level context and firmware interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to encompass potential security breaches and unauthorized access to mobile devices. Mobile devices running affected Android versions could become susceptible to remote code execution attacks that exploit the memory corruption to inject malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these platforms support critical services including location tracking, wireless communications, and various connectivity features that users rely on daily. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security controls and potentially accessing sensitive user data or device functionalities. The widespread adoption of affected platforms means that a successful exploitation could impact millions of devices across different manufacturers and carriers that utilize Qualcomm's MSM chipsets and related software stacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through official software updates from device manufacturers and carriers. System administrators should prioritize deployment of security patches that implement proper input validation for the nlo_event parameter within the wma_nlo_match_evt_handler() function. The fix should include bounds checking mechanisms that verify data integrity before memory access operations occur, preventing the out-of-bounds memory access that leads to the vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous nlo_event patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential attacks. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing firmware-level validation checks that can prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable kernel functions in the first place. The remediation process should follow established security protocols including vulnerability assessment, risk evaluation, and comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in device functionality while effectively addressing the memory access vulnerability.