CVE-2017-11002 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, while processing a vendor sub-command, a buffer over-read can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11002 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within Qualcomm's Android implementations that affects multiple device models and software configurations. This issue manifests specifically during the processing of vendor sub-commands within the Linux kernel framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to potentially exploit memory access violations. The flaw exists across all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that incorporate the Linux kernel, indicating a widespread impact spanning numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel layer means it operates at a fundamental level of system operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms and potentially escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this buffer over-read vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the vendor command processing subsystem. When the system receives and processes vendor sub-commands, insufficient bounds checking occurs on the data buffer, allowing an attacker to read memory locations beyond the allocated boundaries. This type of flaw falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through memory corruption. The vulnerability typically occurs when the kernel's command handler fails to properly validate the length or content of incoming vendor sub-commands, enabling attackers to craft malicious inputs that cause the system to access memory regions that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11002 extends far beyond simple data corruption, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including arbitrary code execution, system compromise, and information disclosure. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially extract sensitive information from system memory, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or confidential application data. The exploitability of this flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The vulnerability's presence in Qualcomm's widely deployed hardware platforms creates an extensive attack surface that affects not only individual devices but also enterprise networks and critical infrastructure relying on these components. Organizations utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11002 require immediate attention through comprehensive patch management and system hardening measures. Qualcomm released security updates addressing this vulnerability, which should be deployed across all affected systems as a priority. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous vendor command processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's kernel-level nature necessitates a multi-layered approach to defense including kernel patching, firmware updates, and runtime protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable code, while adherence to security best practices such as principle of least privilege and regular system updates remains essential for maintaining overall security posture.