CVE-2017-9700 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, buffer overwrite is possible in fw_name_store if image name is 64 characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9700 represents a critical buffer overread condition affecting multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms that utilize the Linux kernel. This flaw manifests within the fw_name_store function where improper input validation allows malicious actors to exploit a buffer overflow scenario when processing image names exceeding 64 characters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate the length of firmware image names before storing them in allocated memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the firmware loading subsystem where the fw_name_store function processes device firmware names without sufficient boundary verification. When an image name exceeds the predetermined 64-character limit, the function continues to write beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including critical control data structures, function pointers, or return addresses. This buffer overread condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability, particularly when attackers can control the firmware image name through malicious device provisioning or update mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to embedded systems and mobile devices that rely on the affected Android variants for their core functionality. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks that could allow adversaries to gain root access to affected devices. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that utilize the Linux kernel, indicating a broad attack surface spanning multiple device types including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. The exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that firmware updates often occur automatically, making devices susceptible to remote exploitation without user intervention.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of input validation controls within the fw_name_store function, and deployment of runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Organizations should also consider network-level monitoring for unusual firmware update patterns and implement device authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized firmware installations. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and the necessity of comprehensive security testing for embedded systems to prevent similar buffer overread conditions in future development cycles.