CVE-2017-8240 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a kernel driver has an off-by-one buffer over-read vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8240 represents a critical buffer over-read condition within kernel drivers of Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum. This flaw exists in all Android versions that incorporate kernel components from the Code Aurora Forum, making it a widespread issue affecting numerous mobile devices across various manufacturers. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking in kernel-level code where a driver fails to properly validate input data boundaries, creating an exploitable condition that could allow malicious actors to access memory locations beyond allocated buffer limits.
This specific vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 category of Out-of-Bounds Read, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in kernel space operations. The off-by-one error occurs when a kernel driver processes user-supplied data without adequate validation of buffer boundaries, allowing an attacker to read memory locations that should remain inaccessible. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as this type of vulnerability can potentially reveal sensitive kernel memory structures, credentials, or other confidential information that could be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where malicious code can gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8240 is significant as it enables attackers to perform memory read operations that could expose system secrets, kernel code locations, or other sensitive information. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications or system-level exploits that manipulate kernel drivers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries can leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated system access. The exploitability of this vulnerability increases when combined with other attack techniques that can manipulate kernel memory or force the vulnerable driver to process malicious input data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through proper security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of kernel-level activities and memory access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability can be addressed through input validation improvements in kernel drivers, proper bounds checking mechanisms, and regular security audits of kernel code components. Device manufacturers should prioritize timely delivery of security patches and implement robust testing procedures for kernel components before deployment. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to kernel security standards to prevent similar issues in future kernel development cycles.