CVE-2018-11301 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, lack of check on buffer length while processing debug log event from firmware can lead to an integer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
This vulnerability exists within the linux kernel implementation across various android platforms including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The flaw manifests when the kernel processes debug log events originating from firmware components, specifically failing to validate buffer length parameters during event processing. This absence of input validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted debug log events could trigger integer overflow conditions within the kernel's memory management routines. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities exist, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. According to CWE-190, this represents an integer overflow vulnerability where the system fails to properly handle integer arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type being used. The issue falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to system instability or complete compromise. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could be exploited by adversaries who gain access to firmware debug interfaces or who can inject malicious debug log events through compromised firmware components. The attack surface includes any system utilizing the affected kernel versions where firmware components communicate debug information to the kernel. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for command and script injection, as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code through kernel-level manipulation. The integer overflow condition occurs when the kernel attempts to calculate buffer sizes for debug log processing without proper bounds checking, potentially causing the calculation to wrap around to a much smaller value than expected. This creates a scenario where the kernel allocates insufficient memory for the actual data being processed, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in embedded systems and mobile platforms where firmware updates may be infrequent and where the kernel operates with high privileges. The lack of buffer length validation represents a fundamental flaw in the kernel's defensive programming practices and demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in kernel space operations. System administrators should prioritize patching affected kernel versions and implementing monitoring for unusual debug log activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive firmware security testing and the implementation of proper bounds checking mechanisms in all kernel subsystems that handle external data inputs. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protections and memory corruption detection mechanisms to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enabling full system compromise through kernel-level privilege escalation. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in kernel memory management can create significant security risks that affect entire platform ecosystems.