CVE-2017-18069 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2017-18069 affecting Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, and all Android releases from CAF. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, and all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum (CAF) are affected by a buffer overread vulnerability due to incorrect message length calculation in oem_cmd_handler() when processing a WLAN_NL_MSG_OEM netlink message.
Understanding CVE-2017-18069
This CVE involves a vulnerability in various software systems utilizing the Linux kernel, leading to a buffer overread issue.
What is CVE-2017-18069?
The vulnerability arises from an incorrect calculation of message length in the function oem_cmd_handler() while processing a specific netlink message, potentially resulting in a buffer overread.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18069
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to read sensitive information from the affected systems' memory, potentially leading to a breach of confidentiality.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18069
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue occurs in the function oem_cmd_handler() during the processing of a WLAN_NL_MSG_OEM netlink message, where the calculation of message length is performed incorrectly, creating a buffer overread vulnerability.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Android for MSM
- Firefox OS for MSM
- QRD Android
- All Android releases from Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that use the Linux kernel
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted WLAN_NL_MSG_OEM netlink message to trigger the incorrect message length calculation, leading to a buffer overread.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-18069 and enhance system security, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the software vendors promptly.
- Monitor vendor security bulletins for updates and advisories.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Qualcomm and other relevant software providers.