CVE-2018-11962 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, Use-after-free issue in heap while loading audio effects config in audio effects factory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11962 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Android operating system's audio subsystem, specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel framework from Code Aurora Forum. This flaw manifests during the initialization process of audio effects configuration within the audio effects factory component, creating a scenario where memory previously allocated to audio effect objects becomes accessible for reuse before proper deallocation occurs. The issue impacts multiple Android variants including MSM-based Android releases, Firefox OS for MSM platforms, and QRD Android implementations, indicating a widespread exposure across various mobile device architectures that rely on Qualcomm's Linux kernel implementations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the audio effects factory module, where the system fails to properly synchronize the lifecycle of heap-allocated objects during configuration loading operations. When audio effects are loaded and processed, the kernel maintains references to dynamically allocated memory blocks that are subsequently freed but remain accessible to subsequent operations. This creates a window where malicious actors or compromised processes can manipulate the freed memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the audio subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain elevated privileges and compromise the entire device security posture.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11962 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it provides potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the use-after-free condition to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries and potentially gaining complete control over affected devices. This represents a significant concern for mobile device users, as the exploitation can occur during normal audio processing operations, making detection difficult and the attack surface broad. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android variants and hardware platforms indicates that a substantial portion of the mobile ecosystem remains exposed to similar threats, particularly devices utilizing Qualcomm's MSM architecture and associated kernel implementations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through official security updates provided by device manufacturers and Google. System administrators should prioritize deployment of kernel-level patches that address the improper memory management within the audio effects factory module, ensuring proper synchronization of memory allocation and deallocation processes. The fix typically involves implementing additional validation checks and proper reference counting mechanisms to prevent premature memory deallocation. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual audio processing behavior or system instability that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of related vulnerabilities in the audio subsystem that could compound the security risk. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and represents a potential entry point for ATT&CK techniques focused on privilege escalation and kernel exploitation within mobile device environments.