CVE-2018-11275 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, when flashing image using FastbootLib if size is not divisible by block size, information leak occurs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system implementation of the fastboot protocol on devices utilizing the Linux kernel and Qualcomm Android Framework. The flaw manifests when flashing system images through FastbootLib functionality, specifically when the image size does not align perfectly with the block size requirements of the underlying storage system. The issue stems from improper handling of memory boundaries during the flashing process, where the system fails to properly pad or align data segments to match the required block boundaries.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the memory management level within the fastboot image processing routines. When an image size is not divisible by the block size, the system attempts to write data that extends beyond the intended boundaries of the allocated memory regions. This misalignment causes the kernel to access and potentially expose memory contents that should remain isolated from the flashing operation. The vulnerability is classified as a memory disclosure issue that can leak sensitive information from adjacent memory segments, including potential kernel memory contents, device-specific identifiers, or other confidential data stored in nearby memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with access to sensitive kernel memory segments that may contain device identifiers, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information. This information leak can be exploited by malicious actors to gain deeper insights into the device's internal state, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based systems, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations, indicating a widespread issue within Qualcomm's Android framework implementations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and potentially CWE-125 (Out-of-Bounds Read) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as attackers could leverage the leaked information to craft more effective attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system bootloader level, making it accessible during the early boot process when security controls may be less stringent.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper memory boundary checking and alignment validation within the FastbootLib implementation. Device manufacturers should ensure that all image sizes are properly padded to match block boundaries before processing, and that memory allocation routines include robust boundary validation. Additionally, system updates should enforce strict alignment requirements and implement memory sanitization techniques to prevent accidental information leakage. Regular security audits of bootloader implementations and memory management routines should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that could affect other low-level system components.