CVE-2017-11045 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 a camera driver function, a race condition exists which can lead to a Use After Free condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11045 represents a critical race condition flaw within the camera driver function of Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel. This issue affects multiple Android variants including MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. The vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the kernel-level camera driver code, creating an environment where concurrent access patterns can result in memory management inconsistencies. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory resources without adequate locking mechanisms, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability manifests as a Use After Free condition, which is classified under CWE-416 as a classic memory safety issue. When the race condition is successfully triggered, the camera driver function may attempt to access memory that has already been freed by another process or thread. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution, system crashes, or privilege escalation opportunities. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated system privileges and full control over the affected device. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of the affected Android variants across various mobile platforms and embedded systems.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to device security and user privacy. Attackers could potentially exploit the race condition through malicious camera applications or by leveraging other attack vectors that trigger the vulnerable driver functions. The Use After Free condition could enable persistent malware installation, data exfiltration, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that utilize the Linux kernel, making it a widespread concern across multiple device manufacturers and platform implementations. Security researchers have noted that such race conditions are particularly challenging to detect and fix due to their intermittent nature and the complexity of kernel-level memory management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11045 primarily involve implementing proper synchronization mechanisms within the camera driver code to prevent concurrent access to shared resources. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security patches and kernel updates provided by the affected vendors. The implementation of memory safety checks and improved locking mechanisms would address the root cause of the race condition. Additionally, runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization could provide additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring systems to detect anomalous camera driver behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for privilege escalation and T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams managing mobile device fleets.