CVE-2017-11082 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, due to a race condition in a firmware loading routine, a buffer overflow could potentially occur if multiple user space threads try to update the WLAN firmware file through sysfs.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11082 represents a critical race condition flaw within the Linux kernel implementation of wireless firmware loading routines across multiple Android variants and Firefox OS platforms. This issue specifically affects devices utilizing the Qualcomm Adreno graphics processing unit and Snapdragon chipset architectures where the kernel handles firmware updates through the sysfs interface. The fundamental problem arises from insufficient synchronization mechanisms during the firmware loading process, creating a window where concurrent access can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in software implementations, making it particularly dangerous in multi-threaded environments where multiple user space processes attempt simultaneous firmware updates. The affected platforms include various Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations, all of which rely on the same kernel-level firmware management routines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when multiple user space threads attempt to write to the WLAN firmware file through the sysfs interface concurrently. During the firmware loading sequence, the kernel does not properly serialize access to the firmware update mechanism, allowing threads to interfere with each other's operations. This race condition manifests as a buffer overflow scenario where the firmware loading routine fails to validate the size of incoming data or properly manage memory allocation during concurrent updates. The buffer overflow can potentially result in arbitrary code execution within kernel space, providing attackers with elevated privileges and complete system compromise. The flaw is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges to exploit, as the race condition occurs during legitimate firmware update operations that user applications might initiate. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters that could be leveraged through the compromised kernel.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11082 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates a persistent security risk for devices running affected software stacks. Mobile devices utilizing these vulnerable platforms become susceptible to attacks that could compromise the entire system, potentially allowing attackers to install malicious firmware, extract sensitive data, or maintain persistent access to the device. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that rely on Qualcomm chipsets for wireless connectivity. Recovery from exploitation requires complete system reinstallation, as the kernel-level corruption makes traditional malware removal techniques ineffective. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android variants and Firefox OS platforms increases the attack surface significantly, as it affects both mainstream consumer devices and enterprise deployments. Organizations deploying these vulnerable systems face potential data breaches, device hijacking, and loss of operational integrity, particularly in environments where wireless connectivity is essential for business operations. The timing of the race condition makes detection particularly challenging, as the vulnerability may not manifest consistently under normal operating conditions, making it difficult for security teams to identify compromised systems. This issue underscores the critical importance of proper kernel-level synchronization mechanisms and demonstrates how seemingly routine firmware update operations can become attack vectors when proper concurrency controls are absent.