CVE-2018-11889 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, when requesting rssi timeout, access invalid memory may occur since local variable 'context' stack data of wlan function is free.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel and Qualcomm's Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms. The flaw manifests when the wlan function attempts to handle rssi timeout requests, creating a scenario where invalid memory access can occur. The technical root cause lies in the improper handling of stack memory allocation where the local variable 'context' data within the wlan function becomes freed while still being referenced, leading to potential memory corruption issues.
The vulnerability operates through a classic use-after-free condition where the wlan function's local context variable is deallocated from the stack memory but subsequent code attempts to access this freed memory location. This memory management error occurs during the processing of rssi timeout events, which are critical for wireless network monitoring and connection quality assessment. The flaw represents a significant security risk as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability through controlled memory access patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts the stability and security of mobile devices running affected Android variants, particularly those using Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms. The memory corruption could lead to device crashes, system hangs, or potentially more severe consequences including privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects the wireless networking subsystem, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless connectivity is critical. Attackers could exploit this through malicious wireless network configurations or by manipulating the wlan subsystem's timeout handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free errors in memory management. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 where adversaries might leverage system instability to execute malicious code. The vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices in kernel-level wireless networking code, where stack variables are not properly secured against access after deallocation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including kernel updates from Qualcomm and Android vendors, memory access validation patches, and enhanced monitoring of wireless subsystem behavior. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime protections and memory corruption detection mechanisms to prevent exploitation of this use-after-free condition.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how wireless network subsystems handle memory management in embedded mobile environments. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile security contexts where the attack surface includes both local and remote exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of kernel-level memory management in mobile platforms and underscores the importance of rigorous code review processes for wireless networking components. Proper mitigation requires not only patching the immediate issue but also implementing comprehensive memory safety controls and regular security assessments of mobile platform components.