CVE-2018-3580 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow can occur In the WLAN driver if the pmkid_count value is larger than the PMKIDCache size 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
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the wireless local area network driver component of Android operating systems. The issue manifests when processing wireless network authentication packets where the pmkid_count value exceeds the allocated PMKIDCache size, creating a condition that allows maliciously crafted wireless frames to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. The flaw affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm-based mobile platforms that utilize the Linux kernel as their underlying operating system framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the processing of 802.11 wireless authentication protocols where the system attempts to cache pairwise master keys for wireless network sessions. When an attacker crafts a wireless frame with an inflated pmkid_count value that surpasses the predetermined PMKIDCache buffer limits, the kernel driver fails to properly validate this input parameter before proceeding with memory operations. This validation failure allows the overflow to occur at runtime, potentially corrupting adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and other critical memory structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel space of the operating system, meaning successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation and full system compromise. The attack vector requires the presence of a malicious wireless access point or the ability to inject malicious wireless frames into the network traffic, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to represent a significant security risk for mobile devices operating on affected Android versions. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from CAF, indicating that a substantial portion of mobile devices running on Qualcomm hardware would be vulnerable, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices. This creates a widespread exposure across the mobile ecosystem, particularly in enterprise environments where wireless network security is critical. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Privilege Escalation and Execution, specifically targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities to achieve persistent access and control over affected devices. The impact is compounded by the fact that these devices are typically used in sensitive environments where wireless connectivity is essential for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term remediation approaches. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and Qualcomm to address the specific buffer overflow condition in the WLAN driver component. The patch implementation involves proper input validation of the pmkid_count parameter before processing, ensuring that the value does not exceed the allocated PMKIDCache buffer size. System administrators should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on wireless authentication protocols and PMKID-related traffic. Additionally, network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit the potential impact of wireless-based attacks, and regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that the patches have been properly applied. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in kernel space components, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of all wireless networking components. Organizations should consider implementing wireless intrusion detection systems and monitoring for suspicious wireless activity that could indicate attempts to exploit this specific buffer overflow condition.