CVE-2018-11919 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, there is a potential heap overflow and memory corruption due to improper error handling in SOC infrastructure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11919 represents a critical heap overflow condition affecting multiple Android variants including MSM platforms, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This flaw resides within the Linux kernel components utilized by these mobile operating systems, specifically manifesting in the SOC (System on Chip) infrastructure error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and error management during memory allocation operations, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The impact extends across various Qualcomm-based devices that rely on the Common Android Framework for their kernel implementations, making it particularly widespread in the mobile ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the SOC infrastructure fails to properly validate memory allocation requests or handle error conditions during kernel operations. This improper error handling allows for heap-based buffer overflows that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw operates at the kernel level where memory management routines do not adequately check bounds or validate input parameters before allocating heap memory. Attackers can potentially trigger this condition through malformed input or by manipulating system calls that interact with the affected SOC components. The heap overflow manifests when the kernel attempts to allocate memory blocks that exceed intended boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions and corrupting critical system data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11919 extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive device functionalities. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become vulnerable to privilege escalation attacks where malicious code can gain elevated system privileges through the corrupted memory state. The vulnerability affects device stability and security posture, as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, bypassing standard security mechanisms. Additionally, the flaw may enable persistent backdoor access or data exfiltration capabilities, particularly concerning devices that handle sensitive personal or corporate information. The widespread adoption of affected Android variants across various mobile platforms amplifies the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11919 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and security vendors, as this vulnerability represents a high-severity risk requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement comprehensive device monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated security configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and potentially maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection. Device administrators should disable unnecessary kernel features and implement memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected kernel versions, while maintaining detailed logs of system calls and memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing device functionality while addressing the underlying heap management flaws in the SOC infrastructure components.