CVE-2018-11281 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, while calling IPA_IOC_MDFY_RT_RULE IPA IOCTL, header entry is not checked before use. If IPA_IOC_MDFY_RT_RULE IOCTL called for header entries formerly deleted, a Use after free condition will occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-11281 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Linux kernel implementation of the IPA (IP Accelerator) subsystem on Android devices. This flaw affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based Android releases, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms developed by Code Aurora Forum. The vulnerability manifests specifically when the IPA_IOC_MDFY_RT_RULE ioctl command is executed, creating a scenario where the kernel fails to validate header entries before utilizing them in memory operations. This fundamental lack of input validation creates a dangerous condition where previously freed memory structures can be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors.
The technical execution of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the IPA driver's ioctl handler implementation. When the IPA_IOC_MDFY_RT_RULE command is invoked, the kernel code does not perform adequate validation to verify whether the header entry being modified was previously deleted or freed from memory. This oversight creates a window where an attacker can manipulate the ioctl parameters to reference memory locations that have already been deallocated, leading to unpredictable behavior including potential code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, where a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android device integrity and user data protection. The use-after-free condition could potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. This represents a severe escalation of privilege vulnerability that could enable malicious actors to bypass security boundaries, access sensitive user data, or install persistent backdoors. The impact is particularly concerning given that this affects widely deployed Android variants across various device manufacturers and hardware platforms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" by providing a pathway for attackers to leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11281 should focus on implementing proper input validation within the IPA driver's ioctl handling code. The most effective approach involves adding comprehensive header entry validation checks before any memory operations are performed, ensuring that only valid, non-freed entries are processed. Device manufacturers should prioritize applying kernel patches that enforce proper reference counting and memory state validation for IPA header entries. Additionally, runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and memory protection mechanisms can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious ioctl operations and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class. The fix should be integrated into the broader security posture of Android devices, ensuring that similar memory management flaws are prevented through consistent code review processes and adherence to secure coding practices.