CVE-2018-3586 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow to buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ADSPRPC heap manager in all Android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the Linux kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3586 represents a critical security flaw in the Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms developed by Code Aurora Forum. This issue manifests within the ADSPRPC heap manager component of the Linux kernel, which serves as a crucial interface for managing memory allocations between the application processor and the audio digital signal processor. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during memory management operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory boundaries through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the heap manager processes integer values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type being used. This integer overflow condition directly translates into a buffer overflow scenario where subsequent memory operations write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the ADSPRPC subsystem which handles remote procedure calls between the application processor and the audio DSP, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low level within the system architecture. Attackers can leverage this condition to execute arbitrary code within the DSP context, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive audio processing capabilities and system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3586 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a means to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of audio processing operations on affected devices. This vulnerability affects all Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum, creating a widespread exposure across multiple device manufacturers and hardware platforms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the DSP subsystem typically operates with elevated privileges and handles sensitive audio data processing, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for user privacy and device security. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, particularly when leveraging the DSP capabilities for malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Linux kernel components within affected Android distributions, particularly focusing on the ADSPRPC heap manager implementation. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the integer overflow condition by implementing proper bounds checking and overflow detection mechanisms. Additionally, runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms should be enabled to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Security researchers and organizations should monitor for any related vulnerabilities in the DSP subsystem and implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate the effectiveness of applied patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure memory management practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for rigorous code review processes in low-level kernel components that handle memory allocation and deallocation operations.