CVE-2017-15846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android by Qualcomm, Inc. are affected by an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability in the camera driver.

Understanding CVE-2017-15846

This CVE involves a potential untrusted pointer dereference in the video_ioctl2() function within the camera driver of specific Qualcomm products.

What is CVE-2017-15846?

CVE-2017-15846 is a vulnerability that could lead to an untrusted pointer dereference in the camera driver of Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android before September 16, 2017.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15846

The vulnerability could allow attackers to trigger an untrusted pointer dereference, potentially leading to a security breach or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15846

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in the video_ioctl2() function within the camera driver, creating a possibility of an untrusted pointer dereference.

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

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the video_ioctl2() function in the camera driver to trigger the untrusted pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15846 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or relevant vendors promptly.
Monitor security bulletins for updates and advisories related to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security fixes to address the vulnerability effectively.