CVE-2017-11038 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, while processing the boot image header, range checks can be bypassed by supplying different versions of the header at the time of check and use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11038 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems utilizing Linux kernel components. This issue manifests during the boot image header processing phase, where the system fails to properly validate header versions, creating a window for potential exploitation through version manipulation attacks. The flaw specifically targets the Linux kernel implementations used across various Qualcomm-based Android devices, making it particularly widespread within the mobile ecosystem.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a range checking bypass that occurs when the system processes boot image headers. During the validation process, the system performs checks using one version of the header structure while subsequently utilizing a different version of the same header for actual processing. This discrepancy allows malicious actors to supply header versions that pass initial validation checks but contain malformed or malicious data during actual execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and version consistency checks within the kernel boot loader components, creating a condition where the system's trust model is violated through header version manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11038 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized code execution. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate the boot process to load malicious payloads, effectively gaining control over device boot sequences and potentially achieving persistent root access. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that utilize the Linux kernel, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel implementations across various mobile device manufacturers. This flaw directly relates to CWE-129 and CWE-131 categories, specifically addressing issues with improper input validation and insufficient range checks in kernel space operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques focusing on bootkits and kernel-level persistence mechanisms. Adversaries could leverage this weakness to establish persistent backdoors during the boot process, making detection and remediation particularly challenging. The vulnerability's nature makes it suitable for advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers require long-term access to target devices. Security researchers have identified this as a critical kernel-level vulnerability that could enable attackers to bypass security measures designed to protect the device boot process, potentially allowing for complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11038 primarily focus on implementing proper input validation and version consistency checks within the kernel boot loader components. Device manufacturers should ensure that all boot image header processing routines maintain consistent version validation throughout the entire processing lifecycle. Updates to kernel implementations should include enhanced range checking mechanisms that prevent version discrepancies between validation and execution phases. Additionally, implementing robust header integrity checks and cryptographic verification of boot images can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches from device manufacturers and kernel maintainers, as these updates specifically address the header version inconsistency issues that enable this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of boot image processing components to ensure that version validation mechanisms function correctly across all supported device variants.