CVE-2018-11286 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 accessing global variable "debug_client" in multi-thread manner, Use after free issue occurs
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11286 represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting multiple Android variants including MSM, Firefox OS, and QRD Android platforms. This issue stems from improper synchronization mechanisms when accessing the global variable debug_client within a multi-threaded environment. The flaw manifests in the Linux kernel components utilized by these mobile platforms, creating a scenario where memory previously freed by one thread can be accessed by another, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of proper mutex or lock mechanisms when accessing the debug_client global variable across concurrent threads. According to CWE-416, this represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability where memory deallocation occurs before subsequent access attempts. The multi-threaded nature of modern mobile operating systems creates race conditions where one thread may free memory while another thread attempts to access it, resulting in memory corruption and potential code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects kernel-level components that handle debugging client connections, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the system level rather than in user applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11286 extends beyond typical application-level vulnerabilities due to its kernel-level nature and the wide range of affected platforms. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android releases, representing a significant attack surface across multiple mobile platforms. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability could enable privilege escalation attacks, while T1203 covers the potential for code injection through memory corruption techniques. The exploitation requires concurrent thread access patterns that could be triggered through legitimate debugging operations or maliciously crafted inputs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate kernel-level fix and broader system security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper synchronization mechanisms such as mutex locks or spinlocks around access to the debug_client global variable to prevent concurrent access during memory allocation and deallocation cycles. Additionally, memory management routines should be reviewed for proper reference counting and lifecycle management. System administrators should ensure all affected devices receive kernel updates promptly, as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely through debugging interfaces. The fix should also include input validation for debugging client connections to prevent malicious actors from triggering the race condition. Organizations should implement monitoring for unusual debugging activity patterns and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding exploitation attempts targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities in mobile platforms.