CVE-2018-11913 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, improper configuration of dev nodes may lead to potential security issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11913 affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations that utilize the Linux kernel. This security issue stems from improper configuration of device nodes within the kernel's device management subsystem, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically impacts the Linux kernel's handling of device node permissions and access controls, which are fundamental components of the operating system's security architecture.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect setup of device node permissions within the Linux kernel's device filesystem. Device nodes represent the interface between user-space applications and kernel-space drivers, and their improper configuration can lead to unauthorized access to hardware resources. When device nodes are not properly secured, they may allow processes with lower privileges to access sensitive hardware components or system resources that should be restricted. This misconfiguration typically occurs during the kernel build process or system initialization when device node permissions are not properly enforced, creating a pathway for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and threat scenarios. Adversaries could potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to hardware devices, leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects devices running various Android implementations, making it particularly concerning for mobile platforms where device security is paramount. Attackers could leverage this flaw to access sensitive hardware components such as modem interfaces, cryptographic accelerators, or other specialized hardware that may contain confidential information or provide privileged access to system functions. This issue represents a significant concern for mobile device manufacturers and security professionals who must ensure proper device node configuration across their Android-based platforms.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on proper kernel configuration and device node management practices. System administrators and kernel developers should implement strict device node permission controls during kernel compilation and system deployment phases. The solution involves ensuring that device nodes are properly configured with appropriate access controls that align with the principle of least privilege. This includes verifying that device node permissions are set correctly during the build process and that any dynamic device node creation follows secure configuration practices. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures and regular security audits to identify and correct similar misconfigurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276 which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and may be relevant to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of secure kernel configuration practices as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize the need for proper access control mechanisms in operating system implementations.