CVE-2017-6288 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-65482562. Reference: N-CVE-2017-6288.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6288 resides within NVIDIA's libnvrm library component, which serves as a critical runtime module for graphics processing units in Android devices. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations. The issue specifically affects Android operating systems where NVIDIA's graphics drivers are integrated, creating a potential security risk 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 provide immediate system compromise, it creates opportunities for information disclosure that could be leveraged in broader attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the libnvrm library functions that handle graphics memory management and driver communications. When processing certain graphics commands or memory allocation requests, the library fails to validate whether the requested memory access falls within legitimate bounds, allowing an attacker to read memory locations that should remain protected. This missing validation creates a pathway for local information disclosure where sensitive data from adjacent memory regions could be accessed and potentially extracted. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the graphics driver subsystem, making it particularly concerning as it can expose confidential information that may include cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive operational data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for Android device security since it enables local attackers to potentially extract confidential information from the device's memory space. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data could contain sensitive metadata about system operations, memory layouts, or cryptographic operations that would aid in developing more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could potentially use this information to bypass security mechanisms, understand system behavior, or identify additional vulnerabilities within the graphics processing subsystem. The local nature of the exploit means that physical access or existing user-level privileges are required, but this limitation does not mitigate the overall risk since such access is often achievable through social engineering or other attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6288 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by NVIDIA and Android vendors, which typically involve implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the libnvrm library. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches to all affected Android devices, particularly those used in enterprise environments or handling sensitive data. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of graphics driver components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array index bounds, and could potentially be leveraged in ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation or information gathering. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to further reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities in the graphics subsystem.