CVE-2017-15851 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Qualcomm components affecting various Android releases powered by the Linux kernel provided by CAF.

Understanding CVE-2017-15851

This CVE highlights a specific issue that can lead to a camera malfunction in Android devices.

What is CVE-2017-15851?

The absence of the copy_from_user function and potential information leakage in the msm_ois_subdev_do_ioctl function can cause a camera crash in Android releases like Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15851

The vulnerability can result in a camera malfunction, affecting the functionality of Android devices utilizing Qualcomm components.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15851

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of proper input validation in the msm_ois_subdev_do_ioctl function in the msm_ois.c file can lead to a camera crash in Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android
Vendor: Qualcomm, Inc.
Versions: All Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises due to the absence of the copy_from_user function and potential information leakage in the specified function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the impact of CVE-2017-15851, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm or the respective device manufacturers.
Monitor official sources for updates and security advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your device's software to the latest versions.
Implement proper security measures and best practices to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and patches released by Qualcomm and relevant vendors.