CVE-2017-8265 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a race condition exists in a video driver which can lead to a double free.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8265 represents a critical race condition flaw within the video driver component of Qualcomm products that utilize Android-based systems derived from the Linux kernel. This issue affects devices manufactured by Qualcomm and distributed through various Android ecosystem partners, creating a widespread security concern across multiple device categories including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the kernel-level video driver implementation, specifically in how memory management operations are handled during concurrent access scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a race condition that manifests during video processing operations where multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared memory resources simultaneously. When the video driver handles memory allocation and deallocation sequences, the lack of proper locking mechanisms allows for a scenario where the same memory block can be freed twice, leading to a double free condition. This memory corruption vulnerability can be triggered through specific video processing workflows or media playback scenarios that cause the driver to execute the problematic code path. The race condition typically occurs when the driver fails to properly synchronize access to video buffer management structures, allowing for interleaved execution patterns that result in improper memory state management.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8265 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential pathways for arbitrary code execution and system instability. Attackers who can successfully exploit this vulnerability may achieve privilege escalation within the kernel space, potentially gaining full control over the device's operating system. The double free condition can be leveraged to corrupt heap memory structures, enabling attackers to manipulate kernel data structures or overwrite critical function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-367 category of Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race conditions, where the timing of memory operations creates exploitable inconsistencies. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can be weaponized to achieve system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the specific race condition in their video driver implementations. System administrators and security teams should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper kernel memory management practices and the necessity of implementing robust locking mechanisms in concurrent systems. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected software versions and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the incident underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling multimedia processing, to identify similar race condition vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. The remediation process involves not only applying patches but also implementing security configurations that limit the attack surface and monitor for anomalous memory behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.