CVE-2018-11299 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 WLAN FW has not filled the vdev id correctly in stats events then WLAN host driver tries to access interface array without proper bound check which can lead to invalid memory access and as a side effect kernel panic or page fault.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel where wireless firmware components fail to properly initialize vdev identifiers in statistics events. The flaw manifests when WLAN firmware does not correctly populate the vdev id field within transmitted statistics events, creating a critical condition in the host driver's processing logic. The issue specifically affects Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations developed by Code Aurora Forum, representing a widespread vulnerability across multiple device platforms. The root cause lies in insufficient input validation within the wireless driver subsystem, where the host driver attempts to access interface arrays without performing proper boundary checks against the malformed vdev id values.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when the WLAN host driver receives statistics events from firmware with improperly set vdev identifiers. Without adequate bounds checking, the driver proceeds to access memory locations within the interface array using these invalid identifiers as array indices. This leads to memory access violations that can result in kernel panics or page faults, effectively crashing the system and potentially exposing the device to further exploitation. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read condition that violates fundamental memory safety principles and can be classified under CWE-129 as improper validation of array indices. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices in kernel space code where input from potentially untrusted sources lacks proper sanitization before memory access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to disrupt device functionality or escalate privileges. When the kernel panic occurs due to invalid memory access, the device becomes temporarily unusable until reboot, potentially affecting critical communication capabilities in mobile devices. In automotive or industrial applications where these Android variants are deployed, such vulnerabilities could lead to safety-critical failures. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 by providing a path for privilege escalation through kernel exploitation, and T1499 by enabling system disruption. The widespread adoption of affected Android variants means that numerous devices across different manufacturers remain vulnerable, creating a significant exposure surface for potential attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation within the WLAN host driver code to prevent access to interface arrays without proper bounds checking. System administrators should ensure timely deployment of security patches from device manufacturers and kernel maintainers that address the improper array indexing logic. The fix typically involves adding validation checks to verify the legitimacy of vdev identifiers before using them as array indices, along with implementing proper error handling that prevents kernel crashes when malformed data is received. Additionally, runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries should be enabled to reduce exploitability. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing firmware validation mechanisms that ensure proper initialization of vdev identifiers in wireless statistics events, preventing the root cause condition from occurring in the first place. Regular security audits of kernel drivers and wireless subsystems should be conducted to identify similar boundary checking vulnerabilities that could lead to similar memory corruption issues.