CVE-2017-15835 : What You Need to Know

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android by Qualcomm, Inc. are affected by a denial-of-service vulnerability due to processing specific 802.11 frames. This can lead to an infinite loop, potentially causing a denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2017-15835

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, affecting various Qualcomm products.

What is CVE-2017-15835?

CVE-2017-15835 is a denial-of-service vulnerability that arises when processing the RIC Data Descriptor IE within a crafted 802.11 frame with an IE length exceeding 255. The issue can trigger an infinite loop, impacting the system's availability.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15835

The vulnerability can result in a denial-of-service situation, potentially disrupting the affected Android versions and leading to system unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15835

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs in Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel when processing specific 802.11 frames with an IE length exceeding 255, causing an infinite loop.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: 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 is exploited by crafting 802.11 frames with an IE length exceeding 255, triggering the infinite loop and leading to a denial-of-service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15835 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches provided by Qualcomm or CAF promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities related to 802.11 frames.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm and CAF.
Ensure timely deployment of patches to address known vulnerabilities.