CVE-2018-3567 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Qualcomm Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android with all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in WLAN while processing the HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_PEER_MAP or HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_PEER_UNMAP messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3567 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the wireless networking stack of Qualcomm mobile platforms that support Android and Firefox OS operating systems. This issue affects devices utilizing the Linux kernel framework through the Common Android Framework (CAF) and specifically targets the High Throughput Transport (HTT) layer responsible for managing wireless communication protocols. The vulnerability manifests during the processing of two distinct message types: HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_PEER_MAP and HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_PEER_UNMAP, which are fundamental components in wireless network peer management and connection handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the WLAN driver's message processing routines. When the system receives these specific HTT messages, the kernel fails to properly validate the size or structure of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This allows an attacker to craft maliciously formatted messages that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The flaw resides in the kernel's wireless subsystem where insufficient input validation permits attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to mobile device security as it enables remote code execution attacks without requiring physical access or user interaction. An attacker positioned within wireless network range could exploit this flaw by transmitting specially crafted HTT messages to target devices, potentially gaining full control over the device's operating system. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to include potential network-wide attacks where a single vulnerable device could serve as an entry point for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices running Qualcomm-based platforms, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and consumer deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3567 require immediate firmware and kernel updates from device manufacturers and mobile carriers. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implement network monitoring to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1068 for exploit development. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and wireless access control measures to limit potential attack vectors and implement continuous monitoring for suspicious peer mapping activities within wireless networks.