CVE-2017-11080 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 a user supplied sparse image, a buffer overflow vulnerability could occur if the sparse header block size is equal to 4294967296.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11080 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Android variants and Firefox OS implementations that utilize the Linux kernel. This issue specifically manifests when processing user-supplied sparse image files, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of sparse header block sizes, particularly when the block size parameter equals exactly 4294967296 bytes, which corresponds to 2^32 bytes or 4 gigabytes. This particular value triggers a mathematical overflow condition that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. The affected platforms include Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations, all of which rely on Common Android Framework (CAF) components and utilize the Linux kernel as their underlying operating system foundation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific mathematical condition where the sparse image header contains a block size field set to the maximum value of a 32-bit unsigned integer. When the system processes this malformed sparse image, the buffer overflow occurs during the allocation or processing of memory structures that expect smaller block sizes. This condition falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow scenarios, though the actual implementation likely involves heap-based buffer overflow mechanisms due to the nature of sparse image processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered by simply providing a maliciously crafted sparse image file, making it an attractive target for remote attackers who can deliver such payloads through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11080 extends beyond simple system crashes or denial of service conditions. The buffer overflow creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that could allow malicious actors to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire device. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and represents a common attack pattern where buffer overflows are leveraged to gain higher-level system access. The affected systems, particularly those running on Qualcomm MSM processors and utilizing the CAF framework, represent a significant portion of mobile devices in the market, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous from a threat perspective. Attackers could exploit this weakness to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or create covert channels for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11080 should focus on immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and kernel-level patches from the Linux kernel maintainers. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all sparse image processing functions and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious sparse image file patterns. The vulnerability requires careful attention to integer overflow conditions in sparse image parsing code, as highlighted by CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow and wraparound conditions. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Android variants and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation attempts. The patching process should include thorough regression testing to ensure that legitimate sparse image processing continues to function correctly while eliminating the buffer overflow conditions that enable exploitation.