CVE-2018-11880 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect bound check can lead to potential buffer overwrite in WLAN function in Snapdragon Mobile in version SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11880 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the wireless local area network functionality of Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets. This issue affects the SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDA660 processor variants, which are widely deployed in high-end smartphones and mobile devices. The flaw stems from an improper boundary check implementation within the WLAN subsystem, creating a potential avenue for malicious code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability resides in the firmware layer of the Snapdragon chipset, specifically within the wireless communication protocols that govern how devices connect to and maintain wireless networks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of buffer boundaries during wireless data processing operations. When the WLAN function handles incoming network packets or manages wireless communication states, it fails to properly verify the size constraints of data buffers before writing data into memory locations. This incorrect bound check allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions, leading to unpredictable behavior including system crashes, arbitrary code execution, or complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the intersection of network protocol handling and memory management, where insufficient input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory contents beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple threat vectors within the mobile security landscape. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness through malicious wireless networks, rogue access points, or compromised Wi-Fi infrastructure to execute remote code on affected devices. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Snapdragon chipsets means that a significant portion of the global mobile device population could be at risk. This represents a particular concern for enterprise environments where mobile devices connect to corporate networks, as attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data or establish persistent footholds within network infrastructure. The vulnerability also poses risks to personal privacy and device integrity, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information or modify device behavior without user knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11880 require coordinated efforts between chipset manufacturers, device vendors, and end users. Qualcomm has issued security patches and firmware updates to address this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across affected device models. Device manufacturers must ensure that users receive timely security updates and that legacy devices receive support for critical vulnerabilities. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring and intrusion detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though more directly related to T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and wireless access control measures to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation success.