CVE-2018-3576 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
improper validation of array index in WiFi driver function sapInterferenceRssiCount() leads to array out-of-bounds access 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 • 02/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3576 represents a critical array index validation flaw within the WiFi driver component of Android systems, specifically affecting devices utilizing the Linux kernel framework. This issue manifests in the sapInterferenceRssiCount() function where improper validation of array indices creates conditions for out-of-bounds memory access. The vulnerability impacts all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple device ecosystems. The flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to verify array index values before accessing memory locations, creating opportunities for unauthorized memory operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate array indices through crafted WiFi network data or malicious network conditions. When the sapInterferenceRssiCount() function processes incoming network interference data, it fails to validate whether the calculated index values fall within the acceptable range of the allocated array. This validation gap enables attackers to trigger memory corruption by providing specially crafted interference measurements that cause the system to access memory locations beyond the intended array boundaries. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the WiFi driver module, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially lead to privilege escalation or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3576 extends beyond simple memory corruption, creating potential pathways for more severe security consequences. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could cause system crashes, denial of service conditions, or potentially achieve code execution within the kernel context. The widespread nature of affected platforms means that numerous devices across different manufacturers and device types could be compromised, particularly those implementing Qualcomm's WiFi chipsets. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of array index values, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of WiFi connectivity services across affected Android devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3576 require immediate patching of affected kernel components and WiFi driver implementations. Device manufacturers should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include proper array bounds checking in the sapInterferenceRssiCount() function, ensuring that all index values are validated before memory access operations. System administrators and security teams should implement monitoring for unusual WiFi interference patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also verifying that kernel updates have been properly deployed across all affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel-level code and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of driver components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous WiFi traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.