CVE-2018-3599 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, while notifying a DCI client, a Use After Free condition can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical use after free condition in the Linux kernel implementation of Qualcomm's mobile platforms that affects multiple operating systems including Android, Firefox OS, and QRD Android. The flaw manifests during the process of notifying DCI clients, which are typically used for device communication interface operations within the kernel space. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated, creating potential opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects a broad range of devices running on Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms, spanning multiple Android releases and operating systems from the same vendor. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions, and represents a fundamental memory safety issue that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges or cause denial of service. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs in kernel-level code that handles device communication interfaces, making it accessible to malicious actors who can potentially leverage this weakness to execute code with kernel-level privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires understanding the specific memory management patterns within the DCI client notification mechanism. When a DCI client is notified, the kernel code performs operations on memory structures that may have already been freed, creating a window where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code. This condition typically occurs when the kernel does not properly validate the state of memory structures before accessing them, particularly in scenarios where asynchronous notifications are processed. The vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate kernel operations that involve device communication interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it may be exploited through normal device functionality without requiring special privileges or user interaction. The memory corruption that results from this use after free condition can manifest as system crashes, unexpected behavior, or potentially full system compromise depending on the exploitation vector and target platform.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3599 extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing most device security mechanisms and gaining complete control over the affected platform. This capability allows for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and system modification that can persist across reboots. The vulnerability affects devices with Qualcomm MSM platforms running Android versions from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) that were patched before the 2018-04-05 security update, leaving millions of devices potentially vulnerable to exploitation. The attack surface is particularly wide given that this vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Android, Firefox OS, and QRD Android, making it a significant concern for device manufacturers and security teams responsible for maintaining device security. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation may enable attackers to execute malicious commands with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3599 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security patches released in the 2018-04-05 update cycle, which specifically address the memory management issues in the DCI client notification code. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out these patches to all affected platforms, particularly those running older Android versions that are still in support. System administrators and security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unexpected kernel crashes or memory access patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing kernel memory protection features such as stack canaries and memory randomization, although these provide limited protection against sophisticated exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device firmware integrity checks and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to kernel components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in kernel space operations and underscores the need for thorough code review and testing of device communication interface implementations. Security teams should maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other kernel components and implement proactive patch management strategies to address similar memory safety issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.