CVE-2017-6285 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA libnvrm contains a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check which could lead to local information disclosure. This issue is rated as moderate. Product: Android. Version: N/A. Android: A-64893156. Reference: N-CVE-2017-6285.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6285 resides within NVIDIA's libnvrm library component, which serves as a critical driver interface for graphics processing units in Android devices. This flaw manifests as a potential out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits during memory operations. The issue specifically affects Android implementations where NVIDIA's graphics drivers are utilized, creating a security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the device. The vulnerability's classification as moderate severity indicates that while it does not present an immediate critical threat, it nonetheless represents a significant security weakness that could be leveraged for information disclosure attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the libnvrm library's memory handling routines. When processing graphics-related data or memory operations, the system does not adequately validate whether memory access attempts remain within allocated buffer boundaries. This allows for potential read operations that extend beyond the intended memory limits, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the graphics driver subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through local user-space processes that interact with graphics functionality. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and specifically relates to improper bounds checking in memory operations. The issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, as local information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6285 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive data that may include system memory contents, graphics driver state information, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. While the vulnerability requires local access to exploit, this limitation does not diminish its potential threat level, particularly in environments where physical access to devices is possible or where attackers have already gained some level of user privileges. The affected Android versions that incorporate NVIDIA's libnvrm library would be vulnerable to this issue, with the specific Android identifier A-64893156 pointing to particular device implementations that require patching. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into system memory structures, graphics processing states, or other sensitive information that could aid in crafting more targeted attacks against the device. The local nature of the exploit means that it would not be directly accessible over network connections, but could be combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors to create more comprehensive compromise scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6285 primarily focus on updating the affected Android implementations to versions that include patched versions of NVIDIA's libnvrm library. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address this specific bounds checking issue within the graphics driver subsystem. System administrators and security teams should monitor for affected devices and ensure that all Android implementations utilizing NVIDIA graphics processing units receive the appropriate patches. The vulnerability's nature suggests that code review and enhanced bounds checking mechanisms should be implemented across all memory handling operations within graphics driver components. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and memory access controls can help prevent similar issues from occurring in other driver components. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds validation checks before any memory read operations, ensuring that array indices and buffer access parameters remain within acceptable limits. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for driver components, particularly those handling graphics processing and memory management operations, as these subsystems often represent attack surfaces with significant potential impact.