CVE-2018-5829 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_privacy_ibss() in Android releases from CAF using the linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-06-05, a buffer over-read can potentially occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5829 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the wireless networking subsystem of Android devices running kernel-based operating systems. This issue affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms. The vulnerability manifests specifically within the wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_privacy_ibss() function, which handles the configuration of privacy settings for independent basic service sets within wireless local area networks. The flaw occurs when processing wireless network configuration parameters, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond the bounds of allocated buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the wireless driver code responsible for managing independent network configurations. When the wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_privacy_ibss() function processes incoming wireless configuration data, it fails to properly validate the length of input parameters before attempting to read from memory locations. This allows an attacker to craft malicious wireless network configuration data that triggers memory access violations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level within the wireless subsystem, providing potential attack vectors that could compromise device security and stability. This flaw aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in kernel-space code.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5829 extends beyond simple system crashes or instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized code within the device's kernel space. Mobile devices running affected software versions become vulnerable to attacks that could allow remote code execution, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that it affects widely deployed Android variants, making it a significant concern for enterprise security and consumer device protection. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through malicious wireless networks or by manipulating wireless configuration data, potentially compromising the entire device. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the vulnerability affects multiple Android variants and security patch levels, creating widespread exposure across various device types and manufacturers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5829 primarily focus on applying the security patches released by Google and device manufacturers. The recommended approach involves updating affected Android devices to security patch level 2018-06-05 or later, which contains the necessary code fixes to prevent buffer over-read conditions. Device administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems and verify that updates have been successfully applied. Additionally, network administrators should implement wireless network monitoring to detect potentially malicious configuration data that could exploit this vulnerability. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while patches are being deployed. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation, indicates that mitigation efforts should include comprehensive system hardening and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining unpatched devices within their networks, as the complexity of mobile device management increases the challenge of maintaining complete coverage against such kernel-level vulnerabilities.