CVE-2018-3569 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer over-read can occur during a fast initial link setup (FILS) connection in Android releases from CAF using the linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-06-05.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3569 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw affecting Android devices that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and the Linux kernel. This issue specifically manifests during the Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) authentication process, which is part of the IEEE 802.11 standard for secure wireless network connections. The vulnerability impacts Android versions running on MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms, including both Android for MSM and Firefox OS for MSM variants, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices that rely on these chipsets for wireless connectivity. The flaw exists in the kernel-level implementation of wireless protocols and affects devices released before the security patch level dated June 5, 2018, indicating that this vulnerability has been present in widely deployed mobile platforms for an extended period.
The technical implementation of this buffer over-read occurs within the wireless networking subsystem when processing FILS authentication frames. During the FILS handshake process, the kernel fails to properly validate the length of incoming data buffers before attempting to read from them, creating a scenario where malicious actors can craft specially crafted wireless frames that cause the kernel to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This over-read condition can potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents to unauthorized access, allowing attackers to extract information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level and requires no user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through passive wireless network monitoring. According to CWE classification, this represents a buffer over-read vulnerability (CWE-125) that occurs in kernel space, specifically within wireless protocol implementations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for kernel-mode exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3569 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed kernel memory could contain sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential information that could be leveraged by attackers to compromise device security. The vulnerability's presence in devices before the 2018-06-05 patch level suggests that numerous mobile devices were potentially vulnerable for months or even years, creating a substantial attack surface. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to perform passive reconnaissance on wireless networks, potentially gaining insights into network configurations, device capabilities, or even extracting credentials that could be used for more sophisticated attacks. The impact is particularly severe for enterprise environments where mobile devices may be used to access sensitive corporate networks, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the wireless infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3569 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by device manufacturers and Qualcomm. Organizations should ensure that all affected devices receive the June 2018 security updates or later patches that specifically address this kernel-level vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous wireless traffic patterns, as the vulnerability may be triggered by crafted wireless frames sent to target devices. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional input validation checks in wireless protocol implementations to prevent similar buffer over-read conditions in future releases. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough security testing for kernel-level components, particularly those handling wireless protocols, and underscores the need for robust memory management practices in embedded systems. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing wireless intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious FILS authentication frames that may be attempting to exploit this vulnerability, as this represents a potential attack vector that could be used to gather intelligence about wireless network infrastructure.