CVE-2018-12010 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, Absence of length sanity check may lead to possible stack overflow resulting in memory corruption in trustzone region.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2020
This vulnerability exists within the linux kernel implementation across various android platforms including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The core issue stems from a critical design flaw in the kernel's handling of memory operations where proper length validation mechanisms are completely absent. This absence creates a fundamental security gap that allows malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted inputs that exceed expected buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the trustzone region which represents a secure execution environment within the system architecture designed to protect sensitive operations and data. When the kernel fails to validate input lengths before processing them, it opens the door for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code within the trustzone domain.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when the kernel processes data without proper boundary checks. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The impact is particularly severe because the trustzone region contains critical security functions and sensitive data that should remain isolated from normal execution flows. When an attacker successfully triggers this overflow, they can corrupt memory in the secure world of the trustzone, potentially gaining unauthorized access to cryptographic keys, secure boot processes, or other protected system components. The vulnerability's presence in the linux kernel means that any application or system service that interacts with kernel space can become a potential attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12010 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a fundamental breach in the security model of the targeted platforms. Attackers can potentially escalate privileges from normal user contexts to kernel-level access, enabling them to bypass the trustzone protection mechanisms entirely. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise where attackers gain access to all secure functions and data within the trustzone. The exploitation requires careful crafting of inputs that can trigger the specific memory corruption pattern, but once successful, it provides persistent access to the most sensitive system components. The vulnerability affects multiple vendors and device types, making it a widespread concern across the android ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate kernel-level fix and broader system security improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing comprehensive length validation checks throughout the kernel's memory handling routines, particularly in functions that process external inputs or data from untrusted sources. Organizations should deploy kernel patches immediately upon availability and conduct thorough testing to ensure no regressions occur in system functionality. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or buffer overflow attempts within the trustzone region. Additionally, device manufacturers should enhance their security development lifecycle processes to incorporate mandatory input validation and boundary checking in all kernel modules. The implementation of stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigation techniques can provide additional layers of protection against potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel space and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation.