CVE-2017-18137 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before security patch level 2018-04-05 on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, while processing the IPv6 pdp address of the pdp context, a buffer overflow can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets affecting Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw manifests during the processing of IPv6 protocol data unit addresses within packet data protocol contexts, creating a critical buffer overflow condition that can be exploited remotely. The affected hardware platforms include MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 835 chipsets, representing a significant portion of mobile devices manufactured during the affected period. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the mobile device processes incoming IPv6 network traffic through the packet data protocol context management system. During this process, the device fails to properly validate the length of IPv6 protocol data unit addresses before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This allows an attacker positioned on the network to craft malicious IPv6 packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction and can be executed remotely through network-based attacks, making it highly dangerous for mobile device users who may be exposed while connected to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or application crashes. The buffer overflow can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected devices, enabling full system compromise. This remote code execution capability stems from the ability to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers within the network processing stack. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious applications, steal sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on the compromised devices. The vulnerability affects a wide range of mobile devices including smartphones and tablets, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise users and individuals who rely on mobile connectivity for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. The 2018-04-05 security update addresses the buffer overflow by implementing proper bounds checking on IPv6 address processing within the packet data protocol context. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous IPv6 traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device administrators should consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing network access controls to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in mobile chipsets and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network processing components. From an attack prevention standpoint, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under network infiltration and privilege escalation tactics, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that protect both device-level and network-level vulnerabilities.