CVE-2017-18068 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 buffer length calculation in wma_roam_scan_filter() leads to buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementation used across various Android platforms including MSM devices, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The flaw resides in the wma_roam_scan_filter() function which handles wireless management operations during network roaming scenarios. The buffer overflow occurs due to incorrect calculation of buffer lengths when processing wireless scan results and roam filtering parameters. This particular implementation issue affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that utilize the Linux kernel for their wireless subsystem operations. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted wireless network data to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper handling of memory allocation calculations within the wireless management subsystem. When the wma_roam_scan_filter() function processes network scan results for roaming decisions, it fails to correctly validate or calculate the required buffer space needed to store the filtered network information. This miscalculation allows an attacker to craft wireless network parameters that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a condition where subsequent memory writes can overwrite critical kernel data structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel space where such overflow conditions can lead to privilege escalation and complete system compromise. This flaw aligns with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a direct violation of proper memory management practices in kernel-level code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that rely on Qualcomm MSM processors and the associated Linux kernel implementations. Attackers could potentially exploit this condition by broadcasting malicious wireless network parameters that trigger the buffer overflow during normal network roaming operations. This could result in denial of service conditions, unauthorized code execution, or complete system compromise depending on the specific implementation details and attack vectors available. The vulnerability affects all versions of Android that utilize CAF's kernel modifications, making it widespread across numerous device manufacturers and models. The impact is further amplified by the fact that wireless roaming operations occur frequently during normal device usage, providing multiple opportunities for exploitation. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and denial of service via system instability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates and patches from device manufacturers and the CAF community. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual wireless network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers must ensure proper bounds checking and memory allocation calculations in their wireless management subsystem implementations. Regular security audits of kernel code should be conducted to identify similar buffer handling issues. Users should maintain current firmware and operating system updates to protect against this and related vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel space and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of wireless subsystem implementations. Additionally, implementing network access controls and monitoring wireless network parameters can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific buffer overflow condition.