CVE-2017-11017 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, while flashing a specially crafted UBI image, it is possible to corrupt memory, or access uninitialized memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementation used across various Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The flaw manifests during the UBI (Unsorted Block Images) flashing process when handling specially crafted UBI images that can lead to memory corruption or unauthorized access to uninitialized memory regions. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that affects multiple device manufacturers who rely on Code Aurora Forum (CAF) based kernel implementations. The issue stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of UBI image data during the flashing procedure, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory management flaws in the kernel's block storage subsystem.
The technical exploitation occurs when the kernel processes UBI images without proper bounds checking or memory initialization verification. During the flashing operation, the kernel's UBI subsystem fails to validate the integrity of image headers and data structures, allowing crafted malicious payloads to trigger memory corruption patterns. This vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel's memory management functions where uninitialized memory regions are accessed without proper initialization, potentially exposing sensitive kernel data or enabling privilege escalation. The flaw aligns with CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable and CWE-125: Out-of-Bounds Read, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues that can lead to system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems that utilize the affected kernel implementations. Mobile device manufacturers who incorporate CAF-based kernels into their products face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious firmware updates, USB-based attacks, or compromised installation media. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with direct access to system memory and critical kernel functions. This vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges through kernel-level memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and memory sanitization within the UBI subsystem. Device manufacturers should deploy kernel patches that include bounds checking for UBI image processing and ensure proper initialization of memory regions before access. The implementation of kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and other exploit mitigations can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, secure boot mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications, and regular security updates should be implemented to address the identified memory corruption issues. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime memory protection features and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough security testing for kernel components, particularly those handling low-level storage operations and firmware updates.