CVE-2017-11073 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, the qcacld pktlog allows mapping memory via /proc/ath_pktlog/cld to user space.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11073 represents a critical memory mapping issue within Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel. This flaw exists in the qcacld pktlog component of the wireless networking stack, specifically affecting devices running Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android configurations. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls that allow user-space applications to map kernel memory through the /proc/ath_pktlog/cld interface, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Qualcomm wireless driver's packet logging mechanism which exposes kernel memory regions through a proc filesystem entry. When user-space processes access /proc/ath_pktlog/cld, they can potentially map arbitrary kernel memory pages into their virtual address space. This occurs due to insufficient validation of access permissions and lack of proper memory protection mechanisms within the driver's procfs interface implementation. The flaw essentially allows an unprivileged user process to gain read access to kernel memory, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, network credentials, or other confidential data stored in kernel memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise the entire device security posture. An attacker with local user access can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain kernel-level capabilities, potentially leading to full device compromise. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that use the Linux kernel, making it widespread across numerous devices and manufacturers. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's wireless chipsets for connectivity, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited in various scenarios including malicious app installations or physical access attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and potentially T1059, 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as attackers could use the mapped kernel memory to extract information or manipulate system behavior. Additionally, the vulnerability relates to T1547, 'Boot or Logon Autostart Execution' if attackers can leverage kernel memory access to modify system components or create persistent backdoors. The exposure of kernel memory through procfs interfaces represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and memory isolation that is critical for maintaining system security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11073 require both immediate patching and architectural improvements. Device manufacturers should prioritize applying kernel updates that restrict access to the /proc/ath_pktlog/cld interface and implement proper access controls that prevent user-space processes from mapping kernel memory. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized access to kernel memory regions and implement runtime protections that detect suspicious memory mapping activities. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary procfs interfaces, implementing proper permission checks, and ensuring that kernel memory regions are properly protected against user-space access. Additionally, security researchers should implement runtime integrity checks and monitoring systems that can detect attempts to access kernel memory through unauthorized interfaces, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.