CVE-2017-11060 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, a buffer overread is observed during processing of ACA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_EXTSCAN_PNO_SET_PASSPOINT_LIST and QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_EXTSCAN_PNO_SET_LIST cfg80211 vendor commands in __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_passpoint_list and hdd_extscan_passpoint_fill_network_list function respectively.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel implementations used in various Android and Firefox OS platforms, specifically affecting devices utilizing Qualcomm chipsets through the Common Android Framework. The issue manifests as a buffer overread condition that occurs when processing specific wireless network configuration commands related to passpoint provisioning and extended scanning functionality. The flaw is particularly significant because it affects the core networking stack components that handle wireless network management and provisioning operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the wireless driver subsystem when handling vendor-specific cfg80211 commands. Specifically, the __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_passpoint_list function and hdd_extscan_passpoint_fill_network_list function fail to validate the length of incoming data structures before processing them. This allows an attacker to craft malicious vendor command payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the kernel to read beyond the intended memory boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides potential attackers with a means to achieve arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. Since the affected functions operate in kernel space, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain root-level privileges and execute malicious code with full system access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through wireless network provisioning commands, meaning an attacker could potentially exploit this remotely through compromised wireless networks or malicious network configurations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for kernel-level code execution and represents a critical escalation path for attackers already within network reach.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the affected kernel functions. The recommended approach involves adding explicit length validation before buffer operations, ensuring that all vendor command data is properly sanitized and validated before processing. Device manufacturers should prioritize applying kernel updates that include patched versions of the wlan_hdd driver components, particularly those addressing the cfg80211 vendor command handling logic. Additionally, network administrators should implement wireless network monitoring to detect unusual vendor command traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel memory safety practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling wireless network provisioning data.