CVE-2017-11085 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, an integer overflow leading to a buffer overflow due to improper bound checking in msm_audio_effects_virtualizer_handler, file msm-audio-effects-q6-v2.c
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11085 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple android platforms including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android variants that utilize the Linux kernel. This issue specifically targets the msm_audio_effects_virtualizer_handler function within the msm-audio-effects-q6-v2.c file, which serves as a crucial component in audio processing for mobile devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms that fail to properly handle integer overflow conditions during audio effect processing operations. This flaw exists within the Qualcomm Audio DSP subsystem and affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that incorporate the Linux kernel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing audio virtualization effects within the multimedia framework. When malicious input data is processed through the msm_audio_effects_virtualizer_handler function, the system fails to properly validate the size parameters, leading to an integer overflow that subsequently causes a buffer overflow condition. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to allocate memory buffers based on improperly validated input values, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and specifically relates to CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, as the overflow directly impacts memory allocation and access patterns. The buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the audio processing context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple audio processing failures, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway to execute malicious code within the audio subsystem with elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain control over the device's audio processing capabilities, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices running various Android versions including 4.4, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 7.0, and 7.1, making it particularly widespread across the mobile ecosystem. The exploitation of this flaw could enable unauthorized access to sensitive audio data, system information disclosure, and potential privilege escalation within the audio processing framework. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though in this case the exploitation occurs through kernel-level memory corruption rather than traditional scripting methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11085 require immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and system administrators, with particular emphasis on updating the msm-audio-effects-q6-v2.c implementation to properly validate all input parameters before memory allocation occurs. The fix should implement robust boundary checking mechanisms that prevent integer overflow conditions from occurring during audio effect processing operations. Additionally, memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous audio processing behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code and highlights the necessity of comprehensive security testing for multimedia subsystems. System administrators should prioritize patch management procedures and ensure that all affected devices receive timely security updates to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.