CVE-2017-11050 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, when the pktlogconf tool gives a pktlog buffer of size less than the minimal possible source data size in the host driver, a buffer overflow can potentially occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11050 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms that utilize the Linux kernel. This flaw manifests within the pktlogconf tool which serves as a packet logging utility responsible for managing network traffic data collection. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify buffer dimensions against minimum required data sizes, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted inputs can trigger memory corruption. The affected systems operate under the Qualcomm Android Framework (CAF) environment where the Linux kernel serves as the foundational operating system layer, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these platforms across mobile devices and embedded systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the host driver's handling of packet logging buffers, specifically when the pktlogconf utility processes buffer size parameters. When the tool receives a buffer specification that falls below the minimum threshold required for source data storage, the system's memory management routines fail to enforce proper boundary checks. This condition creates a classic buffer overflow scenario where subsequent data writes exceed allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Linux kernel framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise the entire system integrity. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11050 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated system privileges and persistent access to affected devices. Mobile platforms utilizing these vulnerable configurations become susceptible to various attack vectors including remote code execution, privilege escalation, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects devices running Android releases from CAF that incorporate the Linux kernel, encompassing a broad range of smartphones, tablets, and embedded IoT devices manufactured by various vendors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many of these platforms lack robust memory protection mechanisms and operate in environments where physical access or network-based exploitation could occur. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input parameters to trigger the specific buffer size condition, making it somewhat sophisticated but not impossible to exploit in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement kernel-level patches provided by Qualcomm and Android security teams, ensuring that all affected devices receive timely updates through proper security maintenance channels. System administrators should consider implementing additional input validation controls within the pktlogconf tool and related network management utilities to prevent malformed buffer size parameters from reaching the vulnerable kernel components. The implementation of modern memory protection techniques including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization should be prioritized to reduce exploitability. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet logging activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit unauthorized modifications to system configuration parameters. These defensive measures align with security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and emerging threats targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities.