CVE-2017-18064 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 p2p_noa_info in wma_send_bcn_buf_ll() which is received from firmware leads to potential buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Android operating system's wireless management implementation, specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel and Qualcomm hardware components. The flaw manifests in the wma_send_bcn_buf_ll() function where insufficient validation occurs on the p2p_noa_info parameter received from firmware. This parameter represents information related to peer-to-peer network operations and notice of absence periods, which are critical components in Wi-Fi direct functionality. The improper input validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted data from firmware can exceed the allocated buffer space, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This vulnerability impacts multiple Android variants including those from Qualcomm Atheros and Firefox OS implementations, making it particularly concerning for widespread device populations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the p2p_noa_info parameter lacks proper bounds checking before being copied into a fixed-size buffer. When firmware sends this information, the receiving function does not validate the length or content of the data, allowing attackers to inject excessive data that overflows the allocated memory space. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it originates from firmware communication, meaning that even if the device's software layer appears secure, malicious firmware can trigger the overflow. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, while ATT&CK framework categorizes it under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though the actual attack vector would be more accurately classified as T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or reboots, potentially enabling full system compromise through remote code execution. An attacker with access to the wireless network or the ability to inject malicious firmware could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on affected devices. The widespread adoption of Qualcomm-based hardware across multiple Android implementations means that numerous devices could be vulnerable simultaneously, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. Mobile devices utilizing Wi-Fi direct functionality, such as file sharing, printing, or device-to-device communication, would be particularly at risk. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that use the Linux kernel, indicating it's a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple versions. This makes it a prime target for zero-day exploits and increases the potential for large-scale compromise, as attackers can leverage the same vulnerability across different device manufacturers and models.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize applying security updates from device manufacturers and Google that address the buffer overflow in the wireless management layer. Network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability can be addressed through proper input validation in the wma_send_bcn_buf_ll() function, ensuring that all received p2p_noa_info parameters are strictly validated against expected size limits before processing. Additionally, implementing firmware integrity checks and secure boot mechanisms can prevent malicious firmware from being loaded onto devices. Device manufacturers should also consider runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. For environments where immediate patching is not possible, network segmentation and wireless access control can help limit potential attack vectors. The remediation approach should align with industry standards including NIST SP 800-53 controls for buffer overflow protection and the OWASP Top 10 security controls for input validation and sanitization.