CVE-2017-11054 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 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-2017-11054 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the Linux kernel implementation of wireless networking components across multiple Android platforms and Firefox OS variants. This vulnerability specifically affects devices utilizing the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset family and is present in all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that employ the Linux kernel for wireless functionality. The flaw manifests during the processing of specially crafted cfg80211 vendor commands, which are part of the wireless configuration framework used by Linux kernel drivers to communicate with wireless hardware. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, where the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters before accessing memory regions. This issue impacts the broader Android ecosystem as it affects the underlying kernel components that support wireless networking functionality, potentially affecting millions of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that utilize Qualcomm's wireless chipsets.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially formatted cfg80211 vendor command that triggers an improper bounds check within the kernel's wireless subsystem. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of command parameters, particularly those related to wireless configuration data structures, allowing an attacker to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This over-read condition can potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges to access system resources that are typically protected from user-space applications. The attack vector requires the ability to send crafted wireless commands to the device, which may be achievable through compromised wireless access points, malicious applications with wireless permissions, or through physical proximity attacks in certain scenarios. The flaw affects the Linux kernel's wireless configuration framework and is particularly relevant to devices running Android versions that incorporate kernel components from Code Aurora Forum, which serves as a foundation for many smartphone manufacturers including Motorola, OnePlus, and various other OEMs.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11054 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the buffer over-read can potentially lead to system instability, denial of service conditions, or even privilege escalation attacks depending on the specific memory regions accessed during the over-read operation. The vulnerability affects devices that implement the cfg80211 wireless configuration interface, which is fundamental to wireless networking operations across the Android platform. In practical attack scenarios, an adversary could potentially exploit this vulnerability to extract kernel memory contents, which might contain sensitive information such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where wireless connectivity is frequently used, as it provides persistent attack vectors through legitimate wireless communication channels. Additionally, the flaw's presence in the Linux kernel means that any device running an affected kernel version is potentially vulnerable, regardless of the specific Android version or firmware implementation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables potential exploitation through wireless communication channels, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, given the kernel-level access it provides.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11054 primarily focus on kernel updates and firmware patches provided by device manufacturers and the Linux kernel community. Organizations and individuals should ensure that their devices receive timely security updates from manufacturers, particularly those addressing kernel-level vulnerabilities in wireless networking components. The vulnerability requires patching at the kernel level, as it cannot be effectively mitigated through application-level defenses or user configuration changes. Device manufacturers should implement robust security update mechanisms and ensure that their firmware includes patches for this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should monitor for devices running vulnerable kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment for wireless infrastructure components that might be exploited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel development, particularly around input validation and memory management. Security professionals should implement monitoring for suspicious wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of wireless-based attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate wireless communication channels. The patching process for this vulnerability typically involves updating the Linux kernel to versions that include proper bounds checking for cfg80211 vendor command processing, with the specific kernel version dependencies varying based on the device manufacturer's implementation and the Code Aurora Forum's release schedule.