CVE-2017-8279 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, with all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, missing race condition protection while updating msg mask table can lead to buffer over-read. Also access to freed memory can happen while updating msg_mask information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel and affects multiple device families including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms. The core issue stems from insufficient synchronization mechanisms during the update of message mask tables within the kernel space. When multiple processes attempt to modify the message mask information simultaneously, the lack of proper race condition protection creates a scenario where the system may access memory locations that have already been freed or reallocated, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security exploits.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer over-read condition that occurs when the kernel's message mask table update process does not properly handle concurrent access scenarios. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where malicious actors can leverage the improper memory handling to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. The race condition allows for simultaneous read and write operations on the same memory region, causing the system to read beyond the allocated buffer boundaries or access memory that has been deallocated and potentially reused by other processes. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-362 category of concurrent execution using shared data structures without proper synchronization mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8279 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. When freed memory is accessed during the message mask update process, it creates opportunities for information disclosure, privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that utilize the Linux kernel, making it particularly widespread across various mobile device implementations. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire device and accessing encrypted data stored on the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require implementing proper synchronization mechanisms such as mutex locks or spinlocks during message mask table updates to prevent concurrent access issues. Kernel developers should ensure that all shared data structures are properly protected against race conditions through appropriate locking primitives. System administrators should apply the latest security patches provided by device manufacturers and kernel maintainers to address this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where attackers leverage kernel-level memory corruption to gain elevated system privileges. Additionally, implementing memory safety checks and using address sanitization tools can help detect and prevent similar race condition exploits in the future. Regular security audits of kernel code should include thorough examination of shared data structures and their access patterns to identify potential concurrency issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.