CVE-2018-5830 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
While processing the HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_MGMT_TX_COMPL_IND message, a buffer overflow can potentially occur 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5830 represents a critical buffer overflow condition that affects Android devices utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and the Linux kernel. This flaw manifests during the processing of HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_MGMT_TX_COMPL_IND messages, which are part of the wireless networking stack responsible for management frame transmission completion indications. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, creating a significant security risk for users of these systems. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the wireless driver component that handles management frame communications, allowing malicious actors to potentially exploit this weakness through crafted network packets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where insufficient boundary checks are performed when processing management frame completion messages. When the system receives a HTT_T2H_MSG_TYPE_MGMT_TX_COMPL_IND message, the processing code fails to properly validate the message length against the allocated buffer space, leading to potential memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw exists in the wireless subsystem's handling of management frame transmission completion notifications, where the system does not adequately validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5830 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and remote code execution. Attackers who can inject malicious wireless frames into the network may exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially gaining full system control. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments and users who rely on wireless connectivity, as the attack surface includes any device running vulnerable Android versions that are susceptible to wireless frame injection. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that often contain sensitive personal and corporate information. The impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets across numerous Android device manufacturers, creating a broad attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5830 should prioritize immediate security patch deployment for all affected Android devices, with particular attention to those running versions prior to the 2018-06-05 security patch level. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all wireless infrastructure components are updated to prevent potential attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures, including behavioral monitoring and network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network access controls, wireless intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing device functionality while maintaining the security posture against this and related buffer overflow threats.