CVE-2018-11883 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, in policy mgr unit test if mode parameter in wlan function is given an out of bound value it can cause an out of bound access while accessing the PCL table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Android operating system ecosystem specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel and Qualcomm Android Framework components. The issue manifests in the policy manager unit test functionality where the wlan function processes a mode parameter that, when provided with an out-of-bounds value, triggers unauthorized memory access patterns. This represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can potentially be exploited to compromise system integrity and execute arbitrary code.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the policy management subsystem of the wireless networking components. When the wlan function receives a mode parameter exceeding the expected bounds, the system fails to properly validate the input before accessing the PCL (Preferred Channel List) table structure. This oversight creates a direct path for memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors to manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across Qualcomm-based devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it represents a critical security weakness that could enable privilege escalation attacks. An attacker with local access or the ability to inject malicious parameters could potentially exploit this condition to gain elevated privileges or cause system instability. The out-of-bounds access pattern creates opportunities for code execution, memory disclosure, or denial of service conditions that could affect device functionality and user data integrity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 which specifically addresses insufficient input validation leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption issues.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the policy manager unit test framework. The system should enforce strict bounds checking on all mode parameters before any memory access operations occur. Additionally, code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns throughout the wireless networking subsystem that might present analogous vulnerabilities. Security patches should be deployed immediately to address the root cause, and developers should implement defensive programming practices including bounds checking, input sanitization, and proper error handling. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous parameter values that might indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection prevention. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all external inputs and maintaining proper memory access controls in embedded systems and mobile operating environments.