CVE-2017-11062 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, currently attributes are not validated in __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_do_acs which can potentially lead to a buffer overread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11062 affects Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel from the Qualcomm Android Framework, including MSM variants and Firefox OS implementations. This issue resides within the wireless networking subsystem where the __wlan_hdd_cfg80211_do_acs function fails to properly validate input attributes during automatic channel selection operations. The flaw represents a critical security gap that can be exploited to execute unauthorized code or cause system instability through memory corruption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation within the wireless driver's configuration management layer. When the automatic channel selection process is initiated, the function processes various wireless configuration attributes without adequate bounds checking or input sanitization. This oversight creates a condition where maliciously crafted wireless parameters could trigger a buffer overread scenario, allowing attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems utilizing the Linux kernel version from the Android Common Audio Framework, making it prevalent across multiple Qualcomm-based devices and their associated software ecosystems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise. An attacker with access to the wireless network interface could potentially exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability's presence in both Android and Firefox OS implementations across various Qualcomm chipsets creates a broad attack surface, particularly affecting devices that rely on automatic channel selection for wireless connectivity management. This flaw directly relates to CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11062 should prioritize immediate firmware and kernel updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the attribute validation deficiencies in affected kernel versions. System administrators should implement network access controls to limit wireless interface exposure and consider disabling automatic channel selection features where possible. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation in kernel space operations, requiring developers to apply rigorous bounds checking and parameter validation before processing any external inputs. Organizations should monitor for related vulnerabilities in the wireless subsystem and consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.