CVE-2018-5832 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Due to a race condition in a camera driver ioctl handler 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 Use After Free condition can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5832 represents a critical race condition flaw within the camera driver ioctl handler of Android systems based on the Linux kernel. This issue affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms. The fundamental problem arises from improper synchronization mechanisms during ioctl command processing, creating a window where memory management operations can be exploited by malicious actors. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory resource simultaneously without adequate protective measures, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the camera driver's ioctl handler failing to properly manage concurrent access to shared memory structures. When the driver processes incoming ioctl commands, it does not adequately protect against simultaneous access patterns that could result in a use after free condition. This specific memory corruption vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the driver's memory management functions in such a way that freed memory blocks are accessed after deallocation, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically impacts Android releases prior to the security patch level 2018-06-05, indicating that this was a known issue that required specific mitigation through kernel updates.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5832 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially gain full system control. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions that can lead to use after free conditions and other memory corruption issues. The attack surface is particularly concerning for mobile devices where camera functionality is frequently accessed and where the camera driver operates with elevated privileges. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire device and accessing sensitive user data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful timing and knowledge of the specific memory layout, making it a sophisticated target for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5832 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by the device manufacturers and kernel maintainers. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to security patch level 2018-06-05 or later, which includes the necessary fixes for the race condition in the camera driver's ioctl handler. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious ioctl operations and consider applying additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique and T1059 command and scripting interpreter categories. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing stricter input validation and synchronization mechanisms in their driver code to prevent similar race condition vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations.