CVE-2017-11053 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 qos map set IE of length less than 16 is received in association response or in qos map configure action frame, a buffer overflow can potentially occur in ConvertQosMapsetFrame().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and affects multiple platforms including MSM devices, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. The flaw manifests when processing wireless network management frames, specifically during the handling of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters in IEEE 802.11 wireless communications. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow occurring in the ConvertQosMapsetFrame() function when it receives a Quality of Service Map Set Information Element (IE) with a length shorter than the expected 16 bytes. This represents a classic buffer over-read condition where the system attempts to process data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the wireless networking stack. When an association response or QoS Map Configure action frame contains a qos map set IE with insufficient length, the ConvertQosMapsetFrame() function fails to properly validate the incoming data structure before attempting to parse it. This function assumes a minimum length of 16 bytes for the qos map set IE, but when shorter data is received, the subsequent memory operations attempt to access buffer regions that have not been properly initialized or validated. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during normal wireless network operations when devices process incoming management frames from access points, making it exploitable through malicious wireless network configurations or compromised access points within range.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11053 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable remote code execution capabilities. An attacker positioned within wireless range of an affected device could craft malicious association responses or action frames containing malformed qos map set IEs to trigger the buffer overflow condition. This could result in denial of service conditions where devices become unresponsive or crash, but more critically, the buffer overflow could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the wireless networking process. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions from CAF using Linux kernel implementations, making it widespread across numerous smartphone and tablet models from various manufacturers who utilize CAF's kernel modifications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that wireless network management frames are routinely processed by devices without user intervention, making exploitation potentially automatic and invisible to end users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate patching and network-level defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize applying security updates from device manufacturers and CAF that address the buffer overflow in the ConvertQosMapsetFrame() function, typically implemented through kernel-level patches that properly validate incoming qos map set IE lengths before processing. Network administrators should consider implementing wireless network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on malformed management frames, particularly those with unexpected qos map set IE structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of input buffers, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could potentially enable command execution. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and wireless access controls can reduce the attack surface by limiting the ability of malicious actors to inject malicious frames into the wireless network environment. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional input validation layers within the wireless networking stack to prevent similar issues in future implementations.