CVE-2018-5853 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A race condition exists in a driver in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-05-05 potentially leading to a use-after-free condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5853 represents a critical race condition flaw within Android kernel drivers that affects multiple platform versions and security frameworks. This issue manifests in the Qualcomm Android Framework (CAF) implementations across various Android variants including MSM-based Android systems, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel driver component that handles device operations, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit temporal inconsistencies in the system's resource management processes. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same driver resources simultaneously, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the kernel driver code, where concurrent access to shared resources is not adequately protected. When multiple processes or threads attempt to manipulate the same driver object or memory region simultaneously, the system fails to maintain proper resource locking protocols. This creates a scenario where one thread may free a memory resource while another thread is still attempting to access it, resulting in a classic use-after-free condition. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges and potentially full system compromise capabilities. The race condition typically occurs during driver initialization, resource allocation, or cleanup operations where timing dependencies are not properly managed.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5853 extends beyond simple system instability to encompass serious security implications including potential privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries and access controls. The use-after-free condition can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, or complete system takeover. This vulnerability affects all Android releases prior to the security patch level 2018-05-05, meaning that devices running these older versions remain exposed to potential exploitation. The impact is particularly severe for mobile devices since they often process sensitive personal and corporate data, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to exploit such kernel-level vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5853 focus primarily on applying the relevant security patches released by device manufacturers and Google. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the Android security patch level 2018-05-05 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the race condition in the affected kernel drivers. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual system behavior or memory access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in concurrent programming environments, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections and memory integrity checks to further reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar timing-based vulnerabilities in the future.