CVE-2017-11042 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, ImsService and the IQtiImsExt AIDL APIs are not subject to access control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11042 represents a critical access control flaw within the Android operating system ecosystem, specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. This weakness exists in the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) service implementation and the IQtiImsExt AIDL (Android Interface Definition Language) APIs that facilitate communication between different system components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks that allow unauthorized applications or processes to interact with these critical IMS services without proper authentication or privilege validation, creating a significant security exposure within the mobile platform architecture.
The technical nature of this flaw lies in the absence of proper access control mechanisms for the ImsService and IQtiImsExt AIDL interfaces, which are fundamental components for managing voice over IP communications, video calls, and other multimedia services in mobile devices. These interfaces typically handle sensitive operations such as initiating emergency calls, managing call routing, and controlling network registration processes that are essential for maintaining communication integrity. The lack of access control means that any application with appropriate permissions or those able to exploit the interface can potentially invoke these services without proper verification, effectively bypassing the security boundaries established by the Android security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to manipulate core telephony functions and potentially intercept or modify communication flows between the device and cellular networks. This weakness can be exploited to perform unauthorized emergency calls, disrupt ongoing communications, or gain unauthorized access to network services that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including CAF (Code Aurora Forum) based systems, Firefox OS for MSM platforms, and QRD Android implementations, indicating a widespread exposure across various mobile device manufacturers and operating system implementations. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute persistent surveillance operations or disrupt critical communication services, particularly concerning emergency response systems that rely on IMS infrastructure.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) which specifically addresses weaknesses in access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources or services. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence within mobile environments, as adversaries could use this vulnerability to establish unauthorized control over communication services. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that IMS services are critical for maintaining voice and video communication capabilities, making it a prime target for both malicious actors seeking to disrupt services and threat actors looking to establish persistent access to mobile communication channels. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, access control policy enforcement, and monitoring for unauthorized IMS service access patterns to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The widespread nature of this vulnerability across multiple Android implementations and device manufacturers highlights the systemic nature of access control weaknesses in mobile platform architectures. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper interface security in mobile operating systems and underscores the need for comprehensive access control validation mechanisms throughout the system architecture. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader mobile security assessments and implement layered defense strategies to protect against similar access control failures that could compromise the integrity of mobile communication services.