CVE-2018-5826 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, due to a race condition, a Use After Free condition can occur in the WLAN driver.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5826 represents a critical race condition flaw within the WLAN driver component of Qualcomm Android and Firefox OS platforms. This issue affects multiple Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and encompasses various Linux kernel versions prior to the security patch level of April 5, 2018. The vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms that allow concurrent access to shared memory resources during driver operations, creating an environment where memory management becomes inconsistent and unpredictable. The race condition specifically manifests in scenarios where multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory location simultaneously without adequate protective measures, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition that occurs when the WLAN driver fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation sequences. When the driver processes network packets or handles wireless communication events, it creates a window where freed memory blocks can be accessed by subsequent operations before being properly reclaimed or reallocated. This particular flaw resides in the kernel-level driver code where the race condition allows attackers to manipulate the timing of memory operations, potentially causing the system to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-367 which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race conditions, though this instance manifests more directly as a use-after-free scenario that leverages the underlying race condition for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5826 extends significantly across various mobile platforms and device types that utilize Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) architecture. Devices running affected versions of Android, Firefox OS, or QRD Android systems become susceptible to remote code execution attacks that could allow malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the device's kernel space. The exploitation potential is particularly concerning given that these platforms are widely deployed across smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, with the vulnerability existing in the core network driver that handles wireless communication. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation that would remain undetected by standard security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5826 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and the Android Open Source Project. Organizations and device manufacturers should immediately implement the security updates available through the Android Security Bulletins or Qualcomm's security advisories, ensuring that all affected devices receive the necessary kernel-level fixes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous wireless communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patch implementations typically address the race condition by introducing proper mutex locks, semaphores, or other synchronization primitives that prevent concurrent access to shared memory resources during critical driver operations. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access control measures to limit potential attack surface, particularly in enterprise environments where affected devices may be deployed. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges, and T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the system kernel, making it a critical target for defensive security operations and vulnerability management programs.