CVE-2017-11047 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 graphics driver ioctl handler, the lack of copy_from_user() function calls may result in writes to kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11047 represents a critical kernel-level security flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This issue resides within the graphics driver ioctl handler component of the Linux kernel, specifically manifesting in the absence of proper memory validation mechanisms during user-space to kernel-space data transfers. The flaw stems from the omission of copy_from_user() function calls which are essential for safe memory operations between different privilege levels. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and memory management issues, directly correlating with CWE-121 and CWE-125 which address buffer overflow conditions and improper access to memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when graphics driver operations attempt to transfer data from user-space applications to kernel memory regions without proper validation of the source addresses and data boundaries. When copy_from_user() is not invoked, the kernel directly writes to memory locations specified by user-space pointers, potentially allowing malicious applications or attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures. This creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks where unprivileged user processes can corrupt kernel data structures, leading to system instability, arbitrary code execution, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where any memory corruption can result in widespread system failure or security breaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11047 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent system compromise and privilege escalation. In the context of the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and kernel-mode exploitation methods, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation tactic and T1059 command and scripting interpreter techniques when combined with subsequent exploitation. The affected platforms include various Android implementations from Qualcomm Atheros (CAF) which means that devices running these kernels are susceptible to attacks that can bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, indicating a broad impact across multiple device generations and manufacturers who utilize Qualcomm's kernel implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11047 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions to ensure proper implementation of copy_from_user() function calls within graphics driver ioctl handlers. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android device firmware to versions that include the patched kernel components, as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely or through malicious applications installed on the device. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual kernel memory access patterns and consider deploying kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and SMEP/SMAP protections to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. The fix should also include proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized memory access and ensure that all user-space to kernel-space data transfers are properly sanitized before processing.