CVE-2017-18294 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-18294, published on October 23, 2018, addresses a vulnerability in Qualcomm products that could lead to a buffer overread due to improper input validation in the QSEECOM driver.

Understanding CVE-2017-18294

This CVE entry highlights a specific issue related to reading the file class type from the ELF header in various Qualcomm products.

What is CVE-2017-18294?

When the size of the ELF file is smaller than the size of the ELF64 header in Qualcomm products, a buffer overread may occur, potentially leading to security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18294

The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to exploit the buffer overread issue, compromising the integrity and security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18294

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a discrepancy in the size of the ELF file and the ELF64 header, resulting in a buffer overread during the file class type reading process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Small Cell SoC, Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear
Versions: FSM9055, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SDA660, SDX20

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the size of the ELF file to trigger a buffer overread when attempting to read the file's class type from the ELF header.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-18294, immediate steps and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
Monitor official sources for updates and advisories regarding this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware on affected systems.
Implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overread vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all Qualcomm products mentioned in the affected versions list receive the necessary patches and updates to mitigate the CVE-2017-18294 vulnerability.