CVE-2017-11031 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 VIDIOC_G_SDE_ROTATOR_FENCE ioctl command can be used to cause a Use After Free condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11031 represents a critical use after free condition affecting multiple Android variants and Firefox OS implementations. This flaw exists within the Linux kernel components used by Qualcomm Android Framework (CAF) and impacts devices running various Android releases including QRD Android and Firefox OS for MSM platforms. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of the VIDIOC_G_SDE_ROTATOR_FENCE ioctl command which is part of the video input/output control interface used for graphics processing operations on mobile devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the kernel processes the VIDIOC_G_SDE_ROTATOR_FENCE ioctl command without proper validation of memory allocation states. This ioctl interface is designed for communicating with the SDE (Scalable Display Engine) rotator subsystem, which handles image rotation operations for display rendering. When the command is executed, the kernel allocates memory structures for processing rotation operations and subsequently frees them. However, the flaw allows for a scenario where the freed memory can be accessed or reused before proper deallocation, creating a use after free condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially enable arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. Attackers can leverage this condition to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to privilege escalation from user-space applications to kernel-level privileges. This represents a significant security risk given that the kernel operates with the highest system privileges and controls all hardware access. The vulnerability affects devices where the Linux kernel is used as the underlying operating system, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers, as well as implementing proper input validation for ioctl commands. The flaw aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software development. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability would fall under the ATT&CK technique T1068 for locally executed code and potentially T1059 for command execution. Organizations should prioritize patch management programs to ensure all affected devices receive timely security updates, while also implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection should be considered as supplementary defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in the kernel subsystems.