CVE-2017-11033 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 coresight-tmc driver, a simultaneous read and enable of the ETR device after changing the buffer size may result in a Use After Free condition of the previous buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11033 represents a critical use after free condition within the coresight-tmc driver of Android systems based on the Linux kernel. This flaw exists in various Android implementations including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, affecting all Android releases from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of buffer management during device operations, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur through concurrent read and enable operations on the ETR device. The coresight-tmc driver serves as a crucial component for tracing and monitoring system operations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for embedded systems and mobile platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a simultaneous read operation and enable operation are performed on the ETR device immediately following a buffer size change. This specific sequence creates a race condition where the previous buffer memory location becomes freed while still being referenced by concurrent operations. The use after free condition arises because the driver fails to properly synchronize access to the buffer resources, allowing an attacker to potentially manipulate the freed memory location. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of freed memory condition, and represents a classic example of improper resource management in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11033 extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the kernel space context. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain full control over affected devices, particularly targeting embedded systems and mobile platforms where the Linux kernel serves as the foundational operating system. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems that utilize Qualcomm MSM processors, making it a significant concern for mobile security. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access through memory corruption methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through kernel updates that address the race condition in the coresight-tmc driver. System administrators should prioritize updating all Android implementations from CAF that utilize the Linux kernel, particularly focusing on devices running versions prior to the patched kernel releases. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their embedded systems to identify any potential variants of this vulnerability within their infrastructure, as the root cause involves fundamental buffer management issues that may exist in similar driver implementations across different platforms.