CVE-2017-18070 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2017-18070 was published on May 11, 2018, and affects Qualcomm's Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android versions that use the Linux kernel. The vulnerability stems from an integer overflow issue that can lead to a heap overwrite in certain circumstances.

Understanding CVE-2017-18070

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in Qualcomm's Android-based products that could potentially be exploited to trigger a heap overwrite.

What is CVE-2017-18070?

The vulnerability arises from an integer overflow scenario in the function wma_ndp_end_response_event_handler(), specifically related to the variable len_end_rsp, which is a 32-bit unsigned integer (uint32). If the value of the variable "event->num_ndp_end_rsp_per_ndi_list" becomes excessively high, it can result in a heap overwrite of the heap object end_rsp.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18070

The overflow issue in CVE-2017-18070 can lead to a heap overwrite, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or disrupt the normal operation of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18070

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is categorized as an Integer Overflow to Buffer Overflow in WLAN, highlighting the specific nature of the issue.

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 can be exploited through a specific sequence of actions that trigger the integer overflow, leading to a heap overwrite.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-18070, certain steps can be taken to mitigate the risks and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches provided by Qualcomm or the respective vendors promptly.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm and other relevant sources.
Implement a robust patch management process to deploy security updates efficiently.