CVE-2017-6211 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, in the processing of a downlink supplementary services message, a buffer overflow can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6211 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Android-based platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This security weakness resides within the Linux kernel components utilized by these mobile operating systems, specifically during the processing of downlink supplementary services messages. The flaw manifests when the system handles incoming telephony-related control messages that contain supplementary services information, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the memory handling mechanisms. This vulnerability impacts all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that utilize the Linux kernel, indicating a widespread exposure across numerous mobile device implementations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs during the parsing and processing of telecommunications control messages received from network infrastructure. When the kernel processes these downlink supplementary services messages, insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to craft maliciously formatted data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This condition results in memory corruption that can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to critical system resources. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6211 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the kernel-level exploitation capabilities present significant security risks to affected mobile devices. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain root access to devices, install malicious applications, or exfiltrate sensitive user data. The nature of supplementary services messages makes this attack vector particularly insidious since these messages are routinely transmitted by cellular networks as part of standard telephony operations. The vulnerability's exploitation could occur without user interaction, making it especially dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently receive various telecommunications signals. This weakness creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats and mobile malware that could compromise device integrity and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6211 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and carriers, as the vulnerability affects multiple platforms and device types. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous telecommunications traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking in the kernel's message processing routines and ensuring that all incoming data is validated before buffer allocation. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to prevent lateral movement if exploitation occurs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures. Device manufacturers should also conduct thorough regression testing to ensure that security patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing telecommunications services.