CVE-2018-11836 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, improper length check can lead to out-of-bounds access in WLAN function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11836 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Android variants including MSM-based systems, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms. This issue stems from the Linux kernel implementation within these mobile operating systems, specifically impacting wireless local area network functions. The vulnerability manifests through inadequate validation of input parameters during WLAN processing operations, creating potential pathways for unauthorized system access and data manipulation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient boundary checking mechanisms within the kernel-level WLAN driver implementations. When processing wireless network packets or configuration data, the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming data structures before attempting to access memory regions. This improper length validation creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that exceed expected buffer boundaries, resulting in out-of-bounds memory access conditions. Such conditions can potentially lead to memory corruption, system instability, or arbitrary code execution within the kernel space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to mobile device security and integrity. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially gain elevated privileges within the device's operating system, access sensitive user data, or disrupt wireless connectivity services. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide vulnerabilities when affected devices connect to wireless networks. Given that this affects multiple Android variants and Qualcomm-based platforms, the potential attack surface encompasses a substantial portion of mobile devices in the market, particularly those manufactured with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index" and is related to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The out-of-bounds access condition creates opportunities for attackers to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Security researchers have documented similar patterns in kernel-based wireless drivers where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. Device manufacturers should prioritize updating their kernel implementations to include comprehensive length checks before memory access operations. System administrators and security teams should monitor for patched firmware releases and ensure timely deployment of security updates. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes validating all input parameters against predefined maximum limits, implementing robust error handling procedures, and conducting thorough security testing of kernel modules before deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential impact should exploitation occur.