CVE-2018-3584 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 before security patch level 2018-04-05, a Use After Free condition can occur in the function rmnet_usb_ctrl_init().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3584 represents a critical use after free condition within the Qualcomm Android ecosystem affecting multiple platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel components that Qualcomm integrates into their mobile platform solutions, specifically manifesting in the rmnet_usb_ctrl_init() function which handles network control operations for USB-based communication interfaces. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where freed memory regions are accessed after being deallocated, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory allocation and deallocation patterns within the kernel space network driver code. When the rmnet_usb_ctrl_init() function processes USB control requests for network interface management, it fails to properly validate memory references after certain operations have freed allocated structures. This condition allows malicious actors to potentially manipulate freed memory locations, leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the foundational Linux kernel components that provide network connectivity and USB communication capabilities across numerous Qualcomm-powered devices. The issue is specifically tied to devices running Android versions with kernel versions that predate the security patch level of 2018-04-05, indicating that this represents a time-sensitive vulnerability that was addressed through kernel updates.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes devices to potential exploitation by attackers who could leverage the use after free condition to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The attack surface includes scenarios where USB devices are connected to affected systems, particularly when network management operations are performed through USB interfaces. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability affects a broad range of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics that utilize Qualcomm's MSM processors and the associated kernel implementations. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not immediately update to include the necessary security patches, leaving organizational assets vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2018-3584 requires immediate deployment of security patches provided by Qualcomm and device manufacturers, specifically targeting kernel updates that address the memory management issues in the rmnet_usb_ctrl_init() function. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary updates, particularly those operating on Android versions with kernel releases predating the 2018-04-05 security patch level. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of the vulnerability's presence in their device inventories. The mitigation approach aligns with industry standards such as those defined in CWE-416 which categorizes use after free conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue, and reflects the broader ATT&CK framework's approach to kernel-level privilege escalation techniques. Device manufacturers and carriers should also consider implementing additional security controls including USB port restrictions and network access controls to limit potential attack vectors while patches are deployed.