CVE-2017-11032 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, a double free can occur when kmalloc fails to allocate memory for pointers resp/req in the service-locator driver function service_locator_send_msg().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11032 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the Linux kernel implementation used across various Android platforms and Firefox OS devices. This flaw exists in the service-locator driver component that handles communication between different system services, specifically within the kernel space of mobile operating systems. The vulnerability manifests as a double free condition that occurs when the kernel's memory allocation function kmalloc fails to secure adequate memory resources for critical data structures. This particular implementation affects multiple device manufacturers and software platforms through the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) distribution channel, making it widespread across the mobile ecosystem.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper memory management within the service_locator_send_msg() function where two separate memory pointers named resp and req are subject to double free operations. When kmalloc fails to allocate memory for these pointers due to system resource constraints or memory fragmentation, the kernel's error handling mechanism attempts to free the same memory locations twice. This double free scenario creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources or potentially execute arbitrary code within kernel space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-415 as an improper free, which specifically addresses situations where memory is freed twice, leading to undefined behavior and potential exploitation opportunities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11032 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates opportunities for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate kernel memory structures and potentially gain elevated privileges, allowing them to execute malicious code with kernel-level access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and device manufacturers, including those utilizing the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform. The service-locator driver's role in facilitating communication between system services makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as successful exploitation could allow attackers to intercept or manipulate critical system communications, potentially leading to complete device compromise or data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through security updates from device manufacturers and software vendors. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to versions containing the patched service-locator driver implementation that properly handles memory allocation failures and prevents double free conditions. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities that enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional memory safety checks and bounds verification mechanisms within kernel drivers to prevent similar issues in future implementations, aligning with industry best practices for secure kernel development and memory management.