CVE-2018-11943 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, while processing fastboot flash command, memory leak or unexpected behavior may occur due to processing of unintialized data buffers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
This vulnerability exists in Android-based systems utilizing the Linux kernel and is classified as a memory management issue within the fastboot flashing process. The flaw occurs when the system handles flash commands through the fastboot interface, which is commonly used for flashing firmware images to mobile devices during manufacturing, updates, or recovery operations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of uninitialized data buffers during the processing of these commands, creating potential security risks that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Linux kernel's fastboot subsystem where uninitialized memory buffers are processed without proper validation or initialization before being used. When fastboot receives a flash command, it attempts to write data to specific memory regions, but if these buffers are not properly initialized, the system may exhibit unexpected behavior or memory leaks. This particular flaw affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, indicating a widespread issue within Qualcomm's Android implementations. The vulnerability can be exploited through specially crafted fastboot commands that manipulate the uninitialized buffer handling process, potentially leading to denial of service conditions or information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within mobile device security contexts, particularly affecting devices that rely on Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause system instability through memory leaks or to potentially extract sensitive information from uninitialized memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because fastboot is typically available during device boot processes and recovery modes, making it accessible to attackers who can gain physical access to the device or who can exploit it through network-based attacks that target the fastboot interface. This issue falls under CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense including kernel-level patches that ensure proper initialization of memory buffers before processing fastboot commands, implementing stricter validation checks for incoming data, and disabling fastboot functionality when not required for legitimate operations. Organizations should also consider implementing access controls that limit who can interact with the fastboot interface and ensure that devices are properly secured during manufacturing and deployment phases. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation or defense evasion technique when attackers leverage uninitialized memory issues to gain deeper system access, making it important for security teams to monitor and control fastboot interfaces across their device fleets. Device manufacturers should implement comprehensive testing procedures that include memory initialization validation and ensure that all firmware updates properly address this vulnerability through kernel patches that enforce proper buffer initialization before any fastboot processing occurs.