CVE-2017-18142 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before security patch level 2018-04-05 on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, while processing the IMS SIP username, a buffer overflow can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets affecting Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw manifests specifically during the processing of IMS SIP usernames, where insufficient input validation leads to a buffer overflow condition. The affected chipsets include the MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850 platforms, which represent a significant portion of high-end mobile devices from 2017 and early 2018. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking when handling SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) username data within the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) framework, creating an exploitable condition that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This represents a critical security flaw that operates at the system level within the mobile baseband processor, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal communication operations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the system processes SIP usernames received through IMS signaling protocols. The flaw arises from the lack of proper input sanitization and boundary checking in the handling of user credentials, allowing an attacker to craft specially formatted SIP usernames that exceed allocated buffer space. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executable code segments. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in memory operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through normal VoIP or IMS communication channels without requiring physical access or special privileges, making it a remote exploit vector that could be leveraged by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable complete device compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers could exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, or even maintain persistence on the device through the baseband processor. The affected platforms represent high-end smartphones and tablets that were widely deployed in enterprise and consumer markets, making this vulnerability particularly impactful for organizations relying on mobile device management systems. The baseband processor nature of the flaw means that even if the application layer is patched, the underlying vulnerability remains exploitable through system-level operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patch level, particularly those running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 patch. Network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual IMS signaling patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, though the remote nature of the vulnerability means that detection at the network level is challenging. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional input validation mechanisms at the application layer to provide defense in depth, though the core fix must come from the chipset vendor. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile baseband processors and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components that handle user input. Regular vulnerability assessments of mobile device ecosystems should include evaluation of baseband processor security to prevent similar issues in future deployments.