CVE-2017-18067 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 while processing an encrypted authentication management frame in lim_send_auth_mgmt_frame() leads to buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementations used across various Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The flaw manifests in the lim_send_auth_mgmt_frame() function which handles encrypted authentication management frames during wireless network authentication processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the size and content of incoming authentication frames before processing them. This insufficient validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted frames can exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in a classic buffer overflow scenario. The issue affects all Android releases from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel, making it widespread across multiple device implementations and manufacturers. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of wireless authentication frames, which are critical components in establishing secure network connections and authenticating devices to wireless access points.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker positioned within the wireless network range to craft specially malformed authentication management frames that trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the lim_send_auth_mgmt_frame() function processes these malicious frames without proper bounds checking, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or allowing arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the wireless networking stack's authentication management capabilities, where the buffer overflow could lead to system instability, crashes, or more severe security implications depending on the memory corruption patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a critical weakness in the kernel's input validation processes. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where an unauthenticated wireless attacker could potentially gain unauthorized system access or cause denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate network operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks against mobile devices and embedded systems running affected Android variants. Devices utilizing these vulnerable kernel implementations become susceptible to wireless-based attacks that can compromise network authentication processes, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate network devices or gain unauthorized access to protected network resources. The vulnerability affects the fundamental wireless security mechanisms that protect mobile devices from unauthorized network access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless authentication is critical for network security. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves discovering services on a remote system, and T1059 which involves executing commands through system binaries. The exploitation could lead to persistent access to wireless networks, enabling further reconnaissance and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations deploying affected devices should consider the risk of wireless network compromise and the potential for attackers to establish footholds within their network infrastructure through this authentication mechanism vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the kernel wireless networking components, particularly in the lim_send_auth_mgmt_frame() function. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches and kernel updates that address the buffer overflow conditions through proper memory management techniques and input sanitization. The implementation of kernel address space layout randomization KASLR and other exploit mitigations can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, network security measures such as wireless intrusion detection systems and monitoring of authentication frame traffic patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional authentication layers to reduce the impact of potential wireless attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of wireless infrastructure components can help identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in network protocol handling can lead to significant security implications across multiple device platforms.