CVE-2017-8272 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, in a driver function, a value from userspace is not properly validated potentially leading to an out of bounds heap write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8272 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets integrated into numerous Android devices. This flaw exists within the Linux kernel driver functions of Qualcomm Android platforms, specifically within the communication pathways between user space applications and kernel space components. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize data received from untrusted user space sources before processing within kernel memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a driver function processes data from userspace without sufficient bounds checking or validation procedures. When malicious or malformed input is passed through kernel interfaces, the system fails to verify that the data remains within allocated memory boundaries, resulting in an out of bounds heap write condition. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though in this case the overflow occurs in heap memory rather than stack memory. The improper validation allows attackers to write data beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially corrupting adjacent heap memory structures and compromising system stability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8272 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential exploitation pathways for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within kernel space. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could manipulate heap memory layout to overwrite critical kernel data structures, function pointers, or control flow information. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1059 which encompasses command and scripting interpreter usage for execution. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that implement the Linux kernel, encompassing a broad range of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware and kernel updates from device manufacturers to patch the driver validation logic and implement proper bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize deployment of security patches that enforce stricter input validation in kernel driver functions and implement memory protection features such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous kernel memory access patterns and implementing runtime protections can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of driver functions that handle user space data. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify affected Qualcomm-based devices and implement layered security controls to minimize exposure while awaiting official patches.