CVE-2018-11884 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation leads to buffer overflow while processing network list offload command 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-2018-11884 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the wireless local area network functionality of Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets. This issue specifically affects the WLAN function's handling of network list offload commands, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability exists in Snapdragon 835, 845, 850, and SDA660 processor variants, impacting a significant portion of high-end mobile devices from various manufacturers. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of network list offload commands, which are typically used to optimize wireless network performance by offloading network scanning and connection management tasks from the main processor to dedicated hardware components. The improper input validation mechanism fails to adequately check the size and content of incoming network list data, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The operational impact of this flaw extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially enable privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability through malicious wireless networks or by manipulating network list data sent to the affected device, making the attack surface particularly broad given the prevalence of wireless connectivity in mobile environments. The flaw's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it occurs within the WLAN processing subsystem, and the attack vector could be as simple as connecting to a malicious access point or receiving crafted network list data through legitimate network operations. The buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the system's memory space, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive device data.
The security implications of CVE-2018-11884 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, particularly in mobile environments where wireless protocols are exploited for initial access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Snapdragon generations indicates a systemic issue within Qualcomm's wireless processing implementation, suggesting that the flaw may have been introduced during the initial design phase of the WLAN offload functionality. Mobile device manufacturers implementing these chipsets face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability affects devices that are widely deployed in enterprise and consumer environments. The exploitation of this flaw could enable attackers to access device credentials, intercept network communications, and potentially establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. Additionally, the vulnerability may be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks targeting device storage, user applications, or network resources, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices serve as primary access points to corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the buffer overflow issue. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous wireless behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that wireless network configurations are properly secured against malicious access point creation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in embedded systems and wireless protocol implementations, emphasizing the need for robust bounds checking mechanisms. Device security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify affected devices within their networks and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly, particularly for enterprise devices that may be more heavily targeted. The implementation of network segmentation and wireless access controls can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of wireless protocols and firmware components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components.