CVE-2017-17773 : Security Advisory and Response

A potential buffer overflow vulnerability in various Snapdragon products can lead to security issues.

Understanding CVE-2017-17773

What is CVE-2017-17773?

In Snapdragon products like Snapdragon Automobile, Wearable, and Mobile MDM series, improper input validation in the video_fmt_mp4r_process_atom_avc1() function can trigger a buffer overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17773

This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17773

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the video_fmt_mp4r_process_atom_avc1() function in various Snapdragon products.

Affected Systems and Versions

Snapdragon Automobile
Snapdragon Wearable
Snapdragon Mobile MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650
SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450
SD 600, SD 602A, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52
SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820Am, SD 835, SD 845, MSM8909W

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious video file to trigger the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
Avoid opening or accessing untrusted video files.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to the latest versions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and potential security risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems and devices are updated with the latest patches to mitigate the vulnerability.