CVE-2018-11297 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, a buffer over-read can occur In the WMA NDP event handler functions due to lack of validation of input value event_info which is received from FW.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11297 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the Linux kernel implementations used across various Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This issue manifests specifically within the WMA NDP event handler functions where the system fails to properly validate input parameters received from firmware components. The vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary checking mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted input data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries during processing of network protocol events.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers. The flaw occurs in the WMA NDP event handling code path where event_info parameters received from firmware are processed without sufficient validation checks. This allows an attacker to manipulate the input data stream to cause the kernel to read beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents or causing system instability. The vulnerability affects multiple Qualcomm Android implementations and represents a significant security risk in embedded systems where firmware components have elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within kernel space, potentially gaining full system control or extracting confidential information from kernel memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile and embedded environments where these kernel implementations are deployed, as it could enable attackers to compromise device integrity and confidentiality. The WMA NDP event handler functions typically process wireless network management events, making this vulnerability relevant to wireless security protocols and potentially affecting network connectivity and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the WMA NDP event handler functions, ensuring that all event_info parameters received from firmware undergo rigorous boundary checks before processing. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches provided by device vendors and kernel maintainers to address this specific buffer over-read condition. The fix typically involves adding validation logic to verify that input values fall within expected ranges and implementing proper bounds checking before buffer operations. Organizations should also consider monitoring for anomalous network event processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in kernel space operations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The implementation of defensive coding practices and regular security assessments of kernel components remains essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.