CVE-2018-11304 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer overflow in msm_adsp_stream_callback_put due to lack of input validation of user-provided data that leads to integer overflow in all Android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the Linux kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11304 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function of Android-based systems utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel implementation and affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-provided data before processing, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow scenario that occurs when the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function processes incoming data without sufficient bounds checking. When user-supplied parameters are passed to this function, the lack of proper validation allows for malicious input to cause arithmetic overflow conditions that can result in buffer overflows. This condition is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities exist, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves integer arithmetic overflow that leads to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across all Android releases utilizing Qualcomm chipsets, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. Attackers can exploit this condition by crafting malicious input that triggers the integer overflow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices running Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, which collectively represent a significant portion of mobile devices in the market. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit mobile device security weaknesses for purposes including data theft, system takeover, or deployment of malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11304 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms within the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function and related kernel components. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android vendors as soon as possible, as these updates typically include fixes for the integer overflow conditions and improved validation routines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 as 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1059 as 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' since successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges and potentially gain full system control. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the integer overflow condition creates detectable patterns in system behavior that can be monitored for suspicious activity.