CVE-2017-8259 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the service locator in all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow can occur as the variable set for determining the size of the buffer is not used to indicate the size of the buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8259 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the service locator component of Qualcomm's Android-based products. This flaw exists within the Linux kernel implementation used across various Qualcomm Chipset Architecture Framework (CAF) platforms, affecting all Android releases that utilize this kernel version. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where the variable intended to define buffer dimensions fails to properly communicate the actual buffer size to the system. This misconfiguration creates a scenario where malicious actors can potentially overflow memory buffers and execute arbitrary code. The service locator functionality typically handles service registration and lookup operations within the Android system, making it a critical component for system operation and security. The flaw specifically impacts the kernel-level implementation where service location mechanisms interact with user-space applications, creating potential attack vectors through improper input validation and memory boundary checking. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in kernel space operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the predetermined buffer boundaries, causing memory corruption and potentially allowing code execution with elevated privileges. The buffer overflow occurs because the system uses a size variable that is not properly validated or enforced during buffer allocation and usage. When the service locator processes requests, it relies on this improperly validated size parameter to determine how much memory to allocate for service data structures. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to cause buffer overflows that may overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data or executing malicious code. The nature of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is not required to achieve system compromise. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory boundary enforcement in kernel space operations. This vulnerability has been classified under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, as exploitation typically results in elevated system privileges and complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8259 extends across all Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the affected kernel versions, potentially affecting millions of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms. The vulnerability's presence in the service locator component means that any application or system process that interacts with service registration and lookup mechanisms could be exploited. This includes core Android system services, third-party applications, and potentially even system-level daemons that rely on proper service location functionality. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and denial of service conditions. Device manufacturers and carriers would need to implement immediate security patches to address this issue, as the vulnerability could be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including malicious applications or network-based attacks. The impact is particularly severe because the service locator functionality is fundamental to Android's operation, making this vulnerability a critical security concern for all affected platforms. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment and monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to device integrity and user data security. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper code review and security testing for kernel-level components, particularly those handling service location and inter-process communication mechanisms.