CVE-2018-3571 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the KGSL driver in all Android releases from CAF (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) using the Linux Kernel, a Use After Free condition can occur when printing information about sparse memory allocations
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3571 represents a critical use after free condition within the KGSL (Kernel Graphics Secure Loader) driver component of Android systems. This flaw exists in all Android releases supported by the Code Aurora Forum including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android variants. The KGSL driver serves as a crucial interface for graphics processing unit operations within Android devices, managing memory allocation and graphics processing tasks that are fundamental to device functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the process of printing information about sparse memory allocations, indicating that the flaw occurs in diagnostic or logging operations rather than core functionality.
The technical implementation of this use after free vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the KGSL driver's sparse memory allocation handling code. When the system attempts to print diagnostic information about sparse memory allocations, the driver fails to properly validate memory references before accessing them, leading to a situation where freed memory locations are accessed after their intended use has concluded. This condition creates a potential exploitation vector where malicious actors could manipulate the memory state to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a Use After Free condition, which is a well-known category of memory corruption flaws that have historically led to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3571 extends beyond simple system crashes or instability, as it represents a potential path for privilege escalation attacks within the Android kernel space. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing Android's security model and gaining complete control over affected devices. The vulnerability affects all Android versions supported by the Code Aurora Forum, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these platforms across various device manufacturers. The sparse memory allocation context suggests that the vulnerability may be triggered during graphics-intensive operations or when handling large memory allocations, potentially affecting device performance and stability during normal usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3571 should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and system maintainers, as this vulnerability represents a high-severity risk to Android device security. The fix typically involves implementing proper memory validation checks before accessing memory locations during sparse memory allocation diagnostic operations. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices and implementing monitoring for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 as 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1059 as 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary commands within the kernel space. Device security teams should also implement memory corruption detection mechanisms and monitor for unusual memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments of kernel components and proactive patch management remain essential for maintaining device security posture against similar memory management flaws.