CVE-2017-11072 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 calculating CRC for GPT header fields with partition entries greater than 16384 buffer overflow occurs.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11072 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Android variants and Firefox OS implementations that utilize the Linux kernel from the Code Aurora Forum. This issue specifically manifests during the calculation of cyclic redundancy check values for GPT (GUID Partition Table) header fields when processing partition entries exceeding 16384 elements. The flaw exists within the kernel-level partition table handling mechanisms that are fundamental to storage management across these mobile platforms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the CRC calculation process for GPT partition entries. When the system encounters partition tables with more than 16384 entries, the buffer allocation logic fails to properly validate the input size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. This represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests in kernel space rather than user space applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is not required for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11072 extends across a broad spectrum of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems that rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and the associated Android implementations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the device's operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum that utilize the Linux kernel, making it particularly widespread across various device manufacturers who depend on these kernel components. This flaw can be exploited through malicious partition tables or by manipulating storage media that triggers the affected kernel code path.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and the Code Aurora Forum. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches that correct the buffer overflow condition in the GPT handling code. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide additional defense in depth measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation, specifically covering tactics such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and defense evasion through memory corruption techniques. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing firmware-level protections and monitoring for anomalous partition table modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.