CVE-2017-11007 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android, with all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, there is a possibility of stack corruption due to buffer overflow of Partition name while converting ascii string to unicode string in function HandleMetaImgFlash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system and related platforms that utilize the Linux kernel, specifically affecting devices based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. The issue manifests in the HandleMetaImgFlash function where a buffer overflow occurs during the conversion process from ASCII string to Unicode string. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability affects multiple Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum and encompasses various Qualcomm-based devices including those running Firefox OS for MSM.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation during string conversion operations within the partition handling mechanism. When processing partition names during flash operations, the system fails to properly validate the length of ASCII strings before converting them to Unicode format, resulting in stack corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and is particularly dangerous because it occurs during firmware flashing operations when the system is in a privileged state. The flaw is exacerbated by the fact that the conversion process does not account for the increased memory requirements of Unicode encoding, which typically requires twice the storage space of ASCII strings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could exploit this weakness during device flashing operations to inject malicious code that persists across system reboots, potentially enabling persistent backdoors or full system control. This vulnerability particularly affects devices that rely on Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Station Modem) architecture, making it relevant to a significant portion of smartphones and tablets in the market. The risk is heightened because the vulnerability occurs during firmware updates, which are typically performed with elevated privileges, providing attackers with opportunities to gain root access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the HandleMetaImgFlash function. System administrators should ensure that all devices are updated with patches that address the buffer overflow in the string conversion process, particularly during firmware flashing operations. The implementation of stack canaries and address space layout randomization techniques can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns during flashing operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security audits of firmware processing functions and input validation mechanisms are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future system versions.