CVE-2011-1352 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The PowerVR SGX driver in Android before 2.3.6 allows attackers to gain root privileges via an application that triggers kernel memory corruption using crafted user data to the pvrsrvkm device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1352 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the PowerVR SGX graphics driver implementation in Android operating systems prior to version 2.3.6. This issue resides in the kernel-level device driver responsible for managing graphics processing unit operations, specifically affecting the pvrsrvkm device interface that handles user-space graphics requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the kernel driver, allowing malicious applications to craft specially formatted user data that can trigger memory corruption conditions when processed by the graphics subsystem. This flaw operates at the intersection of graphics driver security and kernel privilege management, creating an attack surface where user-mode applications can potentially exploit kernel memory corruption to achieve elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of kernel memory through crafted user data submitted to the pvrsrvkm device interface. When an application submits malformed or specially constructed data to the graphics driver, the lack of proper bounds checking and memory validation in the kernel code causes memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of kernel memory corruption flaws that are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited from user space to gain root access to the entire system. The attack vector specifically targets the graphics driver's handling of user-supplied data, making it a prime example of how device drivers can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation when proper input sanitization is absent. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows, both of which are common causes of kernel memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1352 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise through a seemingly innocuous application installation. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows malicious actors to gain root privileges, providing them with unrestricted access to all system resources, files, and processes. This privilege escalation capability means that attackers can bypass all standard security controls, modify system configurations, install persistent backdoors, and access sensitive user data without detection. The vulnerability affects Android devices running versions prior to 2.3.6, which represents a significant portion of the Android user base at the time of disclosure, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond installing a malicious application, as the exploitation occurs automatically when the graphics driver processes the crafted input data, making it a highly effective vector for both targeted and mass attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing user-level processes to escalate to kernel-level privileges, fundamentally compromising the security model of the Android operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1352 primarily involve immediate system updates to Android version 2.3.6 or later, which contain patches addressing the kernel memory corruption issues in the PowerVR SGX driver. Organizations and users should prioritize updating their Android devices to ensure the vulnerability is resolved, as the patch typically includes improved input validation, memory bounds checking, and enhanced kernel protection mechanisms. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting the installation of third-party applications from untrusted sources can help prevent exploitation attempts. Network-based security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should monitor for suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing kernel hardening techniques including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing to add additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities for privilege escalation, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches as a fundamental security control. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify other potential kernel-level vulnerabilities that might provide similar attack vectors for privilege escalation.