CVE-2017-11052 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, while processing a specially crafted QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_NDP cfg80211 vendor command a buffer over-read can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11052 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the Linux kernel implementation of wireless networking functionality on Android devices. This issue specifically affects Qualcomm-based Android systems and Firefox OS devices that utilize the Linux kernel from the Code Aurora Forum. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes a crafted QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_NDP cfg80211 vendor command, which is part of the wireless configuration framework used for managing wireless network interfaces. The flaw exists in the kernel-level handling of vendor-specific wireless commands, particularly those related to the 802.11 standard's neighbor discovery protocol implementation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic buffer over-read scenario where malicious input can cause the kernel to access memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of wireless networking commands sent to the kernel's wireless subsystem. When a specially crafted QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_NDP command is processed, the kernel fails to properly validate the input parameters before attempting to read from memory locations that may not be properly initialized or accessible. This allows an attacker with local access to potentially execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, bypassing standard security protections such as address space layout randomization and other memory protection mechanisms. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes legitimate credentials and elevated privileges to gain access to system resources, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11052 extends beyond simple data corruption or system instability, as it provides a potential pathway for full system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially enabling them to install rootkits, modify system files, or extract sensitive data from the device. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that utilize the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum, which encompasses a significant portion of Qualcomm-based smartphones and tablets. This includes devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, and LG that utilize Qualcomm chipsets, making the potential attack surface quite broad. The vulnerability can be triggered through local access to the device, either through physical access or by exploiting another vulnerability that allows for code execution in a privileged context. The buffer over-read could result in system crashes, data leakage, or more sinister exploitation techniques such as privilege escalation attacks that could ultimately allow complete device control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11052 focus primarily on updating the affected systems to versions that contain kernel patches addressing the buffer over-read condition. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that include fixes for the wireless subsystem's handling of vendor commands, particularly those related to 802.11 neighbor discovery protocols. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual wireless activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as ensure that devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code, particularly for vendor-specific wireless commands that may not be subject to the same rigorous testing as standard kernel functions. Security teams should monitor for any additional related vulnerabilities in the wireless subsystem and ensure that all wireless networking components are kept up to date with the latest security patches from both the kernel maintainers and device manufacturers. The flaw highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling network protocols and vendor-specific commands, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the field.