CVE-2017-11061 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 cfg80211 vendor sub command QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_ROAM, a buffer over-read can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11061 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This issue manifests within the Linux kernel implementation of wireless networking components, specifically when handling cfg80211 vendor subcommands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that utilize the Linux kernel, indicating a widespread exposure across numerous device implementations. The flaw occurs during the processing of the QCA_NL80211_VENDOR_SUBCMD_ROAM command, which is part of the Qualcomm-specific wireless networking implementation that extends standard Linux kernel networking capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the wireless driver implementation when processing vendor-specific commands. The buffer over-read occurs because the system fails to validate the length of incoming data before attempting to read from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though in this case the over-read specifically affects heap or kernel memory regions. The vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing kernel memory contents, credentials, or other confidential information. The issue is particularly dangerous in wireless contexts as it can be exploited through malicious wireless network configurations or crafted wireless packets that trigger the specific vendor subcommand processing path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this over-read condition to gain insights into kernel memory layouts, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as kernel exploitation or bypassing security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems where wireless networking is enabled and actively processing vendor-specific commands, making it particularly relevant for mobile devices, IoT systems, and any platform that utilizes Qualcomm's wireless networking stack. Given that this affects multiple Android variants and Firefox OS implementations, the attack surface is extensive across various mobile and embedded platforms. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through wireless network interactions, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users frequently connect to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11061 should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and system vendors, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental kernel-level flaw that cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems to versions that include proper bounds checking for the vendor subcommand processing. Network administrators should implement wireless network monitoring to detect anomalous vendor command usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers might attempt to leverage the wireless stack for privilege escalation. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates the importance of input validation in kernel modules and the need for comprehensive security testing of vendor-specific extensions to standard networking protocols, particularly in mobile operating system environments where such extensions are common and critical for device functionality.