CVE-2018-11869 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 length validation check for value received from firmware can lead to buffer overflow in WMA handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11869 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel implementations used across various Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the WMA (Windows Media Audio) handler component, which processes audio data received from firmware sources. The absence of proper length validation creates a pathway for maliciously crafted firmware data to overflow buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability affects multiple Qualcomm-based Android implementations, making it particularly widespread across the mobile ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests when the WMA handler receives audio parameter values from firmware without validating their length against predetermined buffer boundaries. This validation gap allows attackers to supply oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption. The buffer overflow occurs within kernel space, meaning successful exploitation could grant attackers privileged execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically impacts the audio subsystem's firmware communication channel, where firmware components provide audio configuration parameters to the kernel's media handler. This architectural weakness creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited through malicious firmware updates or compromised audio processing workflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a potential privilege escalation vector that could enable adversaries to gain root access to affected devices. Mobile platforms utilizing these kernel implementations become susceptible to sophisticated attacks that could compromise user data, facilitate persistent backdoors, or enable lateral movement within networked environments. The widespread adoption of affected Qualcomm chipsets across numerous Android devices means that the potential attack surface encompasses millions of vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, the kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation could lead to complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or specific application-level triggers, making it particularly dangerous for mobile security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11869 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the WMA handler component, specifically ensuring that all firmware-provided values are checked against maximum allowable lengths before buffer allocation. Organizations should prioritize applying security patches from their respective vendors, including Qualcomm, Google, and device manufacturers who have released fixes for this vulnerability. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while monitoring for anomalous firmware communication patterns may help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level attack vectors that enable persistent system compromise.