CVE-2017-18306 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2024
Information disclosure due to uninitialized variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2026
Information disclosure vulnerabilities stemming from uninitialized variables represent a critical class of security flaws that can expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability occurs when software applications fail to properly initialize memory variables before using them, leading to the accidental disclosure of data that was previously stored in that memory location. The underlying technical flaw typically manifests when developers allocate memory for variables without explicitly setting their initial values, leaving the memory contents unchanged from previous operations. This condition creates a situation where the application may inadvertently reveal information such as passwords, cryptographic keys, personal identification data, or other confidential information that was previously stored in the uninitialized memory space. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-457 which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables, while the attack technique can be classified under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1005 as "Data from Local System" or T1021.3 as "Remote Services" when the uninitialized variable disclosure occurs in network-facing applications.
The operational impact of uninitialized variable information disclosure can be severe and far-reaching across multiple system components and attack vectors. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain access to potentially sensitive information that could be used for further attacks, identity theft, financial fraud, or corporate espionage. The disclosed data may include session tokens that allow unauthorized access to user accounts, system credentials that provide administrative privileges, or proprietary business information that could compromise competitive advantages. The vulnerability can manifest in various application contexts including web applications, mobile apps, desktop software, and embedded systems where memory management practices are insufficient. Network services that process user input or handle authentication flows are particularly susceptible since they often use uninitialized variables in response handling or error reporting mechanisms. The exploitation typically requires minimal skill levels and can be automated through various reconnaissance and exploitation tools, making it a preferred target for both automated scanners and manual penetration testers.
Mitigation strategies for uninitialized variable information disclosure require a comprehensive approach that addresses both development practices and runtime protections. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper initialization practices during code development, ensuring that all variables are explicitly initialized before use regardless of their data type or scope. This approach aligns with secure coding standards and can be enforced through static analysis tools that detect uninitialized variable usage patterns during the development lifecycle. Memory sanitization techniques including the use of tools like valgrind, address sanitizer, or similar runtime checking mechanisms can help identify uninitialized memory usage during application testing phases. Regular code reviews and security assessments should specifically target memory management practices to ensure that variables are properly initialized before being accessed or returned to users. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output sanitization can reduce the impact of any potential information disclosure that might occur despite initialization efforts. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention techniques that can limit the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. The combination of these defensive measures creates a robust security posture that significantly reduces the risk of information disclosure through uninitialized variable vulnerabilities while maintaining application functionality and performance requirements.