CVE-2018-11905 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, Possible buffer overflow in WLAN function due to lack of input validation in values received from firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting multiple android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations that utilize the linux kernel. The flaw exists within the wireless local area network functionality where the system fails to properly validate input parameters received from firmware components. This lack of input validation creates an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted data could potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the wlan subsystem and demonstrates a classic security weakness in kernel-level network drivers that process untrusted data from external sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the wlan driver code where firmware-generated values are directly processed without proper validation of their size or content. According to CWE standards, this manifests as a buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw operates at the kernel level where firmware communicates with the wlan driver, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from a lower privilege context to potentially gain elevated system access. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through kernel exploits, specifically targeting the system's network subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device types and manufacturers who utilize the same kernel components, creating a widespread security concern affecting numerous android devices. Attackers could potentially exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's presence in both Android for MSM and Firefox OS for MSM configurations indicates that it affects not just mobile devices but also embedded systems and IoT devices that rely on similar kernel implementations. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where these devices might be used for sensitive operations or access to corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates and kernel patches from device manufacturers, as the flaw exists at the core system level where hardware and software components interact. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for affected systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in kernel modules and demonstrates the necessity of proper security testing for firmware interfaces. Device vendors must ensure that all communication channels between firmware and kernel drivers include robust validation mechanisms to prevent similar conditions from occurring in future implementations. Regular security assessments of kernel components and firmware interfaces should be conducted to identify and remediate potential buffer overflow conditions before they can be exploited in the wild.