CVE-2018-5836 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In wma_nan_rsp_event_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, the data_len value is received from firmware and not properly validated which could potentially lead to an out-of-bounds access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5836 resides within the wma_nan_rsp_event_handler function of Android-based systems utilizing Qualcomm Atheros firmware components. This flaw affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based Android releases, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android implementations. The vulnerability emerged in systems prior to the security patch level dated June 5, 2018, representing a critical memory safety issue that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The affected systems operate on Linux kernel frameworks and specifically involve the Wireless Microphone and Audio Network (WMA) subsystem responsible for handling NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) response events. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing wireless network events within the Android framework.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of the data_len parameter received from firmware components. When the wma_nan_rsp_event_handler processes incoming NAN response events, it accepts a data_len value directly from the wireless firmware without adequate bounds checking or sanitization. This parameter determines the size of data to be processed and copied into internal buffers. The lack of validation allows an attacker to manipulate this value to exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially causing out-of-bounds memory access. The vulnerability represents a CWE-129 weakness, specifically an insufficient input validation issue where the system fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. This flaw falls under the broader category of buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5836 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential attack vectors for remote exploitation within wireless network environments. An attacker positioned within the wireless network range could potentially craft malicious NAN response events with manipulated data_len values to trigger the out-of-bounds access condition. This could result in system crashes, denial of service conditions, or more severe consequences including privilege escalation and code execution within the wireless subsystem. The vulnerability affects devices that rely on Qualcomm's wireless chipset implementations and demonstrates how firmware-level issues can propagate through the Android operating system stack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption technique, potentially enabling adversaries to leverage the vulnerability for persistent access or system compromise. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where wireless networking is extensively used and devices may be continuously connected to wireless networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5836 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by device manufacturers and Qualcomm. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to security patch level 2018-06-05 or later, ensuring that firmware components are also updated to versions that properly validate data_len parameters. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous NAN response events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit wireless access to critical systems, implementing wireless intrusion detection systems, and maintaining comprehensive device inventory to track affected hardware. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security validation and proper input sanitization across all network subsystems. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and regular security assessments of wireless network infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their wireless ecosystem.