CVE-2017-11022 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, the probe requests originated from user's phone contains the information elements which specifies the supported wifi features. This shall impact the user's privacy if someone sniffs the probe requests originated by this DUT. Hence, control the presence of information elements using ini file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11022 affects Android devices and Firefox OS implementations that utilize the Linux kernel, specifically those from the Code Aurora Forum CAF. This security flaw manifests in the manner in which wireless probe requests are constructed and transmitted by devices, creating a privacy exposure that can be exploited by adversaries monitoring network traffic. The issue stems from the inclusion of detailed information elements within probe request frames that reveal specific WiFi feature capabilities supported by the device, effectively creating a fingerprint that can be used to identify and track individual devices across different networks and locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the wireless networking stack's handling of probe request frames, where the device's WiFi driver includes extensive capability information elements that specify supported features such as supported data rates, channel capabilities, and other technical specifications. This information is transmitted in clear text within the probe request packets, making it accessible to any network observer who captures these frames through passive monitoring techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it violates fundamental privacy principles by exposing device-specific characteristics that can be used for surveillance and tracking purposes, effectively creating a persistent identifier that transcends typical privacy protections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential tracking capabilities that could enable adversaries to monitor user movements, preferences, and device usage patterns. When an attacker intercepts these probe requests, they can correlate the transmitted information elements to identify specific device models, operating system versions, and WiFi capabilities, which can then be used to build detailed profiles of users and their behavior. This tracking capability represents a significant threat to user privacy and can be exploited for targeted advertising, surveillance operations, or more malicious purposes such as location-based attacks or social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel, making it widespread across numerous device implementations and creating a substantial attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing configuration controls that allow administrators to control the presence of information elements in probe requests through configuration files, specifically using ini file parameters to disable or modify the inclusion of sensitive capability information. The recommended approach includes disabling the transmission of detailed information elements in probe requests, thereby reducing the amount of identifying information that is broadcast to wireless networks. This solution aligns with security best practices for wireless network privacy and represents a fundamental change in how devices communicate with wireless networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious probe request patterns, while users should be educated about the privacy implications of wireless device communications and the importance of network security awareness. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of privacy-by-design principles in wireless networking implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive security assessments of network protocols and their implementation in mobile operating systems.