CVE-2017-11048 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 display driver function, a Use After Free condition can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11048 represents a critical use after free condition within the display driver function of Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel. This flaw exists across multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms, affecting all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the graphics driver subsystem where freed memory blocks are still being referenced or accessed, creating potential exploitation vectors for malicious actors. The affected display driver function operates within the kernel space, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. This issue falls under the CWE-416 category for Use After Free conditions, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory deallocation and access control mechanisms within the graphics processing pipeline, where the kernel fails to properly validate memory references after deallocation occurs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the display driver function processes graphics commands and subsequently frees memory resources that are still being referenced by pending operations or callbacks. Attackers can leverage this condition by crafting malicious graphics operations that trigger the display driver to access freed memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within kernel space. The attack surface extends across various Android implementations including Qualcomm MSM platforms, where the graphics subsystem is heavily utilized for user interface rendering and multimedia processing. This vulnerability specifically impacts the graphics driver component which handles display output processing and frame buffer management, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices where graphics performance is critical. The use after free condition creates opportunities for attackers to execute code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11048 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Mobile device users and organizations relying on affected Android platforms face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent surveillance capabilities, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize Qualcomm MSM processors and the associated graphics drivers. Security researchers have noted that this flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised web content, or even physical access scenarios. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. Organizations implementing mobile device management solutions must consider this vulnerability as a critical risk requiring immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11048 focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar memory management issues. The primary recommendation involves applying security patches provided by device manufacturers and the Android Open Source Project, which address the improper memory handling within the display driver functions. System administrators should prioritize updating affected devices and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues. Additional mitigations include implementing kernel address space layout randomization, enabling stack canaries, and deploying runtime memory protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent use after free conditions. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and adherence to secure coding guidelines as outlined in the ATT&CK framework for kernel-level exploitation techniques. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. Device manufacturers should strengthen their security testing protocols and incorporate automated memory analysis tools into their development lifecycle to identify and remediate use after free conditions before deployment.