CVE-2018-11960 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, A use after free condition can occur in the SPS driver which can lead to error in kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11960 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the SPS (Secure Processing Service) driver component of Android-based systems developed by Code Aurora Forum. This flaw affects multiple Android variants including MSM (Mobile Services Module), Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, indicating a widespread impact across various device architectures. The SPS driver operates as a critical kernel module responsible for handling secure processing operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it resides within the core operating system kernel space.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the SPS driver implementation. A use-after-free condition occurs when the kernel attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit this behavior to manipulate kernel memory structures. This particular flaw manifests in the Linux kernel environment where the SPS driver fails to properly validate memory references before accessing allocated resources, allowing for potential memory corruption that could be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code at kernel level.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11960 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway to achieve privilege escalation and kernel-level code execution. This vulnerability directly violates the fundamental security principles of memory safety and can be categorized under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. The exploitation of this flaw could enable attackers to bypass security mechanisms, access sensitive system resources, or establish persistent backdoors within affected devices, making it particularly concerning for mobile platforms that handle confidential user data.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and T1059 which addresses 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' capabilities. The vulnerability's presence in kernel space means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain root-level access to devices, potentially compromising all user data and system integrity. The widespread nature of affected platforms suggests that numerous mobile devices, IoT systems, and embedded platforms utilizing these kernel components could be vulnerable to similar exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11960 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through official vendor updates and security patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular kernel updates, memory safety testing, and continuous monitoring for similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. The remediation process involves proper memory management practices including reference counting, proper deallocation procedures, and validation of memory access patterns within kernel drivers. Additionally, deployment of runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and stack canaries can help mitigate exploitation attempts, though these are considered supplementary rather than primary solutions for addressing the underlying use-after-free condition.