CVE-2017-11089 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, a buffer overread is observed in nl80211_set_station when user space application sends attribute NL80211_ATTR_LOCAL_MESH_POWER_MODE with data of size less than 4 bytes
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11089 represents a critical buffer overread condition affecting multiple Android variants and Firefox OS implementations that utilize the Linux kernel. This flaw manifests within the nl80211_set_station function, which serves as a crucial interface for managing wireless station parameters in the Linux kernel's wireless subsystem. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the NL80211_ATTR_LOCAL_MESH_POWER_MODE attribute, where user-space applications can manipulate wireless mesh network power management settings. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of attribute data size before processing, creating a scenario where the kernel attempts to read beyond allocated buffer boundaries when the attribute data contains fewer than four bytes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's wireless networking stack failing to properly validate input parameters received from user-space applications through the nl80211 interface. When a malicious application sends the NL80211_ATTR_LOCAL_MESH_POWER_MODE attribute with data smaller than the expected four-byte format, the kernel's processing routine performs a read operation that extends beyond the actual data boundaries. This overread condition occurs because the kernel code assumes a minimum data size for the attribute while the actual data provided by the user-space application may be significantly smaller, leading to memory access violations that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device types and operating systems including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations that utilize the Linux kernel. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious user-space applications that send specifically formatted attribute data to trigger the buffer overread condition. The potential consequences include complete system compromise, denial of service conditions, and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability particularly affects wireless mesh network implementations where the mesh power management features are actively utilized, making it a significant concern for enterprise and industrial deployments relying on mesh networking technologies.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions in software systems where programs access memory locations beyond the bounds of allocated buffers. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges within the kernel space. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as malicious applications could leverage this condition to execute arbitrary commands within the kernel context. The exploitation requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within kernel-space processing of user-space inputs, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user applications have access to wireless networking controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11089 should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and the Linux kernel community. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures at both user-space and kernel-space boundaries, ensuring that all wireless attribute data undergoes proper size verification before processing. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary mesh networking features when they are not actively required, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous wireless attribute processing patterns may help identify potential exploitation attempts. Device vendors should also consider applying defensive programming techniques such as bounds checking and memory sanitization to prevent similar buffer overread conditions from occurring in other wireless subsystem components. The patching process should be prioritized for all affected Android and Firefox OS implementations, particularly those deployed in enterprise environments where wireless mesh networks are utilized for critical infrastructure operations.