CVE-2018-11882 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect bound check can lead to potential buffer overwrite in WLAN controller 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-2018-11882 represents a critical buffer management flaw within the wireless local area network controller 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 vulnerability stems from an insufficient boundary validation mechanism that fails to properly verify array bounds during wireless data processing operations. This particular flaw resides within the WLAN controller subsystem, which handles all wireless communication protocols including wifi connectivity, wireless networking management, and associated data transmission functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-129, which specifically addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when input data exceeds allocated memory boundaries. The flaw manifests when the WLAN controller processes incoming wireless packets or manages wireless network connections, where insufficient validation of packet sizes or array indices allows maliciously crafted wireless data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This incorrect bound check creates a potential attack surface where an attacker could manipulate wireless communication parameters to trigger memory corruption, leading to unpredictable system behavior or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential attackers with pathways to execute arbitrary code within the wireless controller's memory space. When exploited successfully, the buffer overwrite can lead to privilege escalation, system instability, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability affects the fundamental wireless communication capabilities of affected devices, potentially allowing attackers to intercept wireless communications, manipulate network connections, or gain unauthorized access to device resources. This represents a significant concern for enterprise deployments and mobile device users who rely on secure wireless communications for business operations or personal data protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11882 should focus on immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and Qualcomm, as well as network-level monitoring to detect anomalous wireless behavior patterns. Security professionals should implement network segmentation to limit wireless attack surfaces and deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious wireless communication patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through wireless protocols, and T1566 for initial access through wireless network exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized wireless network connections that could be exploited to deliver malicious payloads. The remediation process requires careful coordination between device manufacturers, wireless network administrators, and security operations teams to ensure complete protection across affected deployments while maintaining operational continuity.