CVE-2018-11295 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, WMA handler carries a fixed event data from the firmware to the host . If the length and anqp length from this event data exceeds the max length, an OOB write would happen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system's wireless media access (WMA) handler component that interfaces with the linux kernel and firmware modules. The issue affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms developed by Code Aurora Forum. The core flaw resides in how the WMA handler processes event data received from firmware components, specifically when handling ANQP (Access Network Query Protocol) information elements. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the length parameters of incoming event data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a fixed event data structure where the WMA handler directly copies data from firmware without adequate validation of the length fields. When the length parameter and anqp length field within the event data exceed predefined maximum limits, the handler performs an out-of-bounds write operation. This occurs because the system does not properly verify that the data being copied fits within allocated memory buffers before performing the copy operation. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it affects the fundamental security posture of mobile devices running affected Android variants. Attackers could potentially leverage this out-of-bounds write to execute malicious code within the context of the WMA handler process, which typically operates with elevated privileges due to its role in wireless network management. The vulnerability affects devices that utilize Qualcomm's wireless chipsets and firmware implementations, creating a widespread risk across numerous mobile platforms that depend on Code Aurora's kernel modifications. The nature of the flaw means that exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as the WMA handler operates in a privileged execution context that manages wireless connectivity functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android implementations through kernel updates and firmware modifications that properly validate all length parameters before memory operations. System administrators should implement firmware update policies that ensure all wireless components receive security patches promptly. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through wireless protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, network administrators should ensure that wireless access points are properly configured to limit potential attack vectors through wireless protocols and that regular security assessments are conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other system components.