CVE-2017-9701 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 OEM unlock/unlock-go fastboot commands data leak may occur, resulting from writing uninitialized stack structure to non-volatile memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9701 represents a critical data leak issue affecting multiple android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This flaw manifests within the Linux kernel infrastructure used by these mobile operating systems, specifically during the processing of OEM unlock and unlock-go fastboot commands. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of stack memory structures during these critical system operations, creating a pathway for sensitive information disclosure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper initialization of stack structures when executing fastboot commands for device unlocking processes. According to CWE-170, this represents a weakness involving improper initialization of data structures, where uninitialized memory contents are written to non-volatile storage without proper sanitization. The flaw occurs during the OEM unlock procedure where the system fails to properly zero out or initialize stack variables before writing them to persistent storage locations, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for mobile device management and enterprise security. Attackers could exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information from devices during legitimate unlocking procedures, potentially compromising device integrity and user privacy. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) utilizing the Linux kernel, making it widespread across numerous mobile platforms and device manufacturers. This data leak could enable adversaries to gain insights into device security configurations, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks or device-specific exploits.
The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential privilege escalation and device compromise scenarios. When uninitialized stack memory containing sensitive data is written to non-volatile memory during fastboot operations, it creates a persistent exposure that could be exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers might leverage the leaked information to craft more targeted attacks against device-specific implementations. The exposure of kernel memory contents during legitimate system operations undermines the security model of these mobile platforms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on ensuring proper stack memory initialization before any data is written to persistent storage during fastboot operations. Device manufacturers should implement comprehensive memory sanitization procedures that zero out stack structures prior to writing to non-volatile memory. The fix typically involves updating the Linux kernel implementation to properly initialize all stack variables used in OEM unlock processing routines. Additionally, security patches should include runtime checks to validate memory contents before persistence operations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious fastboot command sequences and ensure that device firmware updates are applied promptly to address this vulnerability across affected platforms.