CVE-2017-11051 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, information disclosure is possible in function __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_testmode since buffer hb_params is not initialized to zero.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11051 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms. This issue manifests within the Linux kernel implementation used by these mobile operating systems, specifically in the wireless networking subsystem where the __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_testmode function fails to properly initialize a buffer variable named hb_params. The root cause stems from inadequate memory management practices where uninitialized memory contents are exposed to unauthorized access, creating potential avenues for sensitive data leakage.
The technical flaw resides in the improper initialization of the hb_params buffer within the wireless hardware driver layer, which operates under the broader context of the Linux kernel's wireless subsystem. When the __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_testmode function executes, it processes test mode commands for wireless networking but fails to zero-initialize the hb_params buffer before use. This oversight allows residual data from previous operations to persist in the buffer, potentially exposing kernel memory contents, configuration parameters, or other sensitive information that could be accessed by malicious actors. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-1280, which addresses improper initialization of memory, and falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that compromise system security integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to escalate privileges or extract confidential information from affected devices. Mobile platforms utilizing these kernel implementations become susceptible to reconnaissance activities where attackers can potentially gather sensitive configuration data, network parameters, or other kernel memory contents that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that employ the Linux kernel, indicating widespread exposure across numerous device models and manufacturers. This information disclosure could enable attackers to understand the internal workings of the wireless subsystem, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or targeted exploitation of other related vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11051 should focus on implementing proper memory initialization practices within the kernel driver code, specifically ensuring that all buffer variables including hb_params are properly zero-initialized before use. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches provided by the respective vendors, as these updates typically address the uninitialized memory issue through proper buffer initialization routines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under information disclosure techniques where adversaries exploit memory management flaws to extract sensitive data, making it critical to address promptly. Additionally, implementing kernel memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, memory sanitization, and runtime memory checks can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security audits of kernel code, particularly focusing on memory management practices and buffer handling, should be conducted to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.