CVE-2017-11028 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, in the ISP Camera driver, the contents of an arbitrary kernel address can be leaked to userspace by the function msm_isp_get_stream_common_data().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11028 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android kernel's ISP Camera driver component. This issue affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based devices, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms that utilize the Linux kernel. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the msm_isp_get_stream_common_data() function which operates at the kernel level and provides unauthorized access to kernel memory contents. The flaw allows malicious applications or attackers with local privileges to extract sensitive data from arbitrary kernel addresses, potentially exposing confidential system information, cryptographic keys, or other critical kernel structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the msm_isp_get_stream_common_data() function which fails to properly validate user-supplied parameters before accessing kernel memory regions. This function, designed to retrieve stream common data from the ISP camera subsystem, lacks adequate bounds checking and memory access controls that would normally prevent userspace processes from reading kernel memory directly. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the function processes certain ioctl commands that allow userspace applications to specify memory addresses for data retrieval, creating a path for information leakage without proper authorization. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-200 category for "Information Exposure" and represents a direct violation of kernel memory protection mechanisms that are fundamental to operating system security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the leaked kernel data for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain sensitive kernel memory contents including device-specific identifiers, memory layout information, and potentially cryptographic material that could be used to bypass kernel security features such as ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization). This information leakage creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, kernel exploitation, and advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers can use the leaked data to craft more targeted attacks against the system. The vulnerability particularly affects devices running Android versions from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) using Linux kernel implementations, making it widespread across numerous smartphone and tablet platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11028 should focus on implementing proper kernel memory access controls and input validation within the msm_isp_get_stream_common_data() function. System administrators and device manufacturers should apply the latest security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers and device vendors, which typically include enhanced parameter validation and memory access restrictions. The implementation of kernel hardening features such as KASLR (Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization) and SMEP (Supervisor Mode Execution Protection) can significantly reduce the effectiveness of such attacks by making kernel memory layouts less predictable and preventing userspace code from directly accessing kernel memory regions. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms within the ISP camera driver component can prevent unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their kernel components and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, following ATT&CK framework techniques for detecting kernel-level threats and information gathering activities.