CVE-2017-11078 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, while processing the boot image header, an out of bounds read can occur in boot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11078 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android operating system's boot image processing mechanism. This issue affects multiple Android variants including CAF (Code Aurora Forum) based systems, Firefox OS for MSM platforms, and QRD Android implementations. The vulnerability manifests during the boot image header processing phase when the Linux kernel handles initialization sequences. This flaw exists at the intersection of kernel-level memory management and boot process validation, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors during system initialization.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the boot image header parsing code. When the kernel attempts to process boot image headers, it fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious boot image that, when processed by the vulnerable system, triggers an out-of-bounds memory read operation. The flaw is categorized under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with CWE-787 which addresses "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Linux kernel's boot loader functionality and occurs in the early stages of system initialization when memory structures are being validated and processed.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11078 extends beyond simple memory access violations, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and system compromise. During the boot process, when the kernel is most vulnerable and least protected, an attacker could exploit this condition to read sensitive kernel memory locations, potentially extracting confidential information or gaining insights into system internals. The vulnerability's timing during boot operations makes it particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms that are normally active during normal system operation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1014 which addresses "Rootkit" techniques that could be employed to maintain persistence through boot-time exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11078 must focus on both immediate patching and architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary remediation involves applying kernel patches that implement proper bounds checking and input validation for boot image headers, ensuring that all array accesses are properly validated before memory operations occur. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of the affected Android variants, particularly those from CAF, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android releases. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel memory protection mechanisms can help reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews of boot image processing components and establish monitoring for anomalous boot process behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in kernel space operations and the necessity of comprehensive security testing during early system initialization phases.