CVE-2018-5825 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, in the kernel IPA driver, a Use After Free condition can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5825 represents a critical use after free condition within the Linux kernel's IPA driver component affecting multiple Qualcomm Android platforms and Firefox OS implementations. This flaw exists in systems utilizing the Linux kernel before the security patch level of 2018-04-05, creating a persistent risk across various mobile and embedded devices that rely on Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Station Modem) architecture. The IPA driver serves as a crucial interface for packet processing and network communication within these systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to compromise the underlying operating system kernel.
The technical implementation of this use after free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the IPA driver's handling of network packet processing operations. When the driver processes certain network packets or performs memory allocation and deallocation sequences, it fails to properly validate memory references after freeing allocated resources. This creates a window where malicious actors can manipulate the system to reuse freed memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically manifests during the processing of network traffic through the IPA (Internet Protocol Accelerator) subsystem, which is designed to optimize packet handling and network throughput for mobile devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to achieve full system compromise. An attacker exploiting this condition could execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing traditional security boundaries and gaining complete control over the affected device. This capability allows for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and the potential to spread the compromise to other connected systems. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms including Android, Firefox OS, and QRD Android systems means that the attack surface is extensive, affecting numerous mobile devices, IoT systems, and embedded platforms that depend on Qualcomm's MSM architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5825 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and the Android security team, specifically targeting the security patch level 2018-04-05 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected devices receive timely updates, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management systems can automate this process. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the IPA driver vulnerability could be leveraged for network-based attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and memory integrity checking to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a significant concern in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as it enables attackers to gain kernel-level access and maintain persistent presence on compromised systems.