CVE-2017-8269 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Userspace-controlled non null terminated parameter for IPA WAN ioctl in all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel can lead to exposure of kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8269 represents a critical kernel memory exposure issue affecting Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel through the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) framework. This flaw specifically manifests within the IPA WAN ioctl implementation where user-space applications can manipulate parameters that are not properly null-terminated before being processed by kernel-space components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and buffer handling mechanisms within the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset's network management subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious applications to potentially access sensitive kernel memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of ioctl (input/output control) commands within the IPA (Internet Protocol Accelerator) WAN interface driver. When user-space applications submit ioctl requests to the IPA WAN subsystem, they can provide parameters that lack proper null termination, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially read kernel memory contents. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it specifically involves improper memory access patterns rather than traditional stack corruption. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where privileged memory access is permitted, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, credentials, or other confidential data stored in kernel memory.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8269 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory, potentially extracting sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation or to understand the internal workings of the system's security mechanisms. This vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products running Android versions that utilize the CAF Linux kernel implementation, making it widespread across numerous smartphone and tablet devices. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges to trigger, as user-space applications can directly invoke the problematic ioctl interface, aligning with the ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8269 focus primarily on patching the affected kernel components and implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the IPA WAN driver. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches released by Qualcomm and the Android security team to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing kernel memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and strict input validation can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel-space parameter validation and demonstrates the risks associated with insufficient input sanitization in privileged system components. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting similar kernel vulnerabilities. This issue underscores the critical need for robust security practices in embedded systems development and the importance of thorough code review processes for kernel-level components that handle user-space input.