CVE-2018-3562 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer over -read can occur while processing a FILS authentication frame in all Android releases from CAF (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) using the Linux Kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3562 represents a critical buffer over-read condition that affects multiple Android variants including CAF Android, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This flaw manifests specifically during the processing of FILS authentication frames within the Linux kernel environment, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management during wireless authentication protocol handling, where insufficient bounds checking allows unauthorized memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the wireless subsystem of Android devices that utilize Qualcomm chipsets and the Linux kernel for underlying operations. During FILS authentication frame processing, the kernel fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before attempting to read from memory locations. This condition creates a scenario where an attacker could craft malicious authentication frames that cause the kernel to read beyond allocated memory regions, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling further exploitation. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects the core wireless authentication mechanism that devices use to connect to wireless networks, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise device security.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3562 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access to affected devices. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract kernel memory contents, potentially accessing cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored in memory during wireless authentication processes. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF, indicating a widespread impact across multiple device generations and manufacturers. This makes the flaw particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across a broad spectrum of devices without requiring specific target identification. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel also means that exploitation could potentially affect not just mobile devices but also embedded systems and IoT devices that utilize similar wireless authentication protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3562 primarily focus on applying security patches from device manufacturers and kernel maintainers. The recommended approach involves updating the affected Android implementations to versions that include proper bounds checking for FILS authentication frame processing. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected devices and implement monitoring for suspicious wireless authentication traffic patterns. Security teams should also consider network-level detection measures to identify potentially malicious authentication frames that could trigger the buffer over-read condition. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics as it could enable attackers to access kernel memory directly. Device manufacturers should also implement additional input validation measures and consider runtime protections that could detect and prevent exploitation attempts against similar buffer over-read conditions.