CVE-2018-5842 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An arbitrary address write can occur if a compromised WLAN firmware sends incorrect data to WLAN driver in all Android releases from CAF (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) using the Linux Kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the wireless local area network subsystem of android devices that leverages a fundamental weakness in the communication between wireless firmware and the kernel driver. The issue stems from inadequate validation of data received from compromised wireless firmware components, specifically affecting all android releases utilizing code from code aurora forum including android for msm firefox os for msm and qrd android distributions. The vulnerability manifests as an arbitrary address write condition that occurs when malicious firmware attempts to send incorrect data to the wlan driver component within the linux kernel environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a compromised wireless firmware module that intentionally corrupts data transmission to the wlan driver layer, bypassing normal validation mechanisms that should protect against malformed or malicious inputs. This flaw operates at the kernel level where wireless firmware communicates with the wlan driver through established interfaces, creating a pathway for attackers to potentially overwrite arbitrary memory addresses within the kernel space. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running linux kernel versions that implement wlan driver functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from the wireless firmware layer without requiring additional privileges or root access on the device. The flaw essentially allows an attacker with control over wireless firmware to manipulate kernel memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption as it provides a potential pathway for attackers to gain deeper system access and execute malicious code within the kernel space. Devices running affected android versions become vulnerable to attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones tablets and other mobile devices that utilize wireless connectivity components, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and consumer environments. The exploitation requires only compromise of the wireless firmware which can occur through various attack vectors including physical access to devices or supply chain attacks targeting wireless component suppliers.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust firmware validation mechanisms and ensuring proper input sanitization within the wlan driver components. Device manufacturers should prioritize firmware updates and patch management programs to address this vulnerability across affected android releases. The implementation of secure boot mechanisms and firmware integrity checks can help prevent malicious firmware from executing on devices. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for suspicious wireless activity and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-787 out of bounds write and ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures at both firmware and operating system levels to protect against such low-level attacks.