CVE-2018-11859 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overwrite can happen in WLAN due to lack of validation of the input length in Snapdragon Mobile in version SD 845, SD 850.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11859 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms including the SD 845 and SD 850 chipsets. This flaw resides within the wireless local area network subsystem where insufficient input validation permits maliciously crafted data packets to trigger memory corruption during wireless communication processing. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the WLAN driver implementation, specifically when handling incoming wireless frames that exceed predetermined buffer sizes. Such buffer overflows create opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system compromise, particularly when exploited through wireless network protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow pattern where the wireless network stack fails to validate the length parameter of incoming frames before copying data into fixed-size memory buffers. This weakness allows attackers to craft specially formatted wireless packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Snapdragon chipset, cause data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the wireless driver component, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, representing a fundamental failure in input validation and memory management practices. Attackers leveraging this weakness can potentially execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to mobile device security across various threat scenarios including man-in-the-middle attacks, rogue access point exploitation, and wireless network-based malware delivery. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide infiltration when attackers leverage the vulnerability in wireless environments. Devices running on Snapdragon SD 845 and SD 850 chipsets are particularly at risk as these platforms are widely deployed in flagship smartphones and tablets. The exploitation requires minimal network proximity and can occur through standard wireless communication protocols, making it especially concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, enabling attackers to establish persistent access and elevate their privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11859 primarily involve applying official firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the buffer validation issues. Network administrators should implement robust wireless network monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device hardening measures including disabling unnecessary wireless features, implementing network access controls, and deploying wireless intrusion detection systems can reduce the attack surface. Security researchers recommend maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds specifically targeting wireless protocol vulnerabilities and conducting regular security assessments of mobile device configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful wireless-based attacks and establish incident response procedures tailored to mobile security incidents. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation in embedded systems and wireless communication protocols, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle.