CVE-2018-5860 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the MDSS driver in all Android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the Linux kernel, a data structure may be used without being initialized correctly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5860 represents a critical initialization flaw within the Mobile Data Services Subsystem driver in Android systems. This issue affects multiple Android variants including those designed for Qualcomm MSM platforms and Firefox OS for MSM devices, making it particularly widespread across mobile ecosystems. The flaw resides in the Linux kernel implementation where a data structure undergoes improper initialization before being utilized, creating potential security risks that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the MDSS driver component which handles mobile data services and subsystem management, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise mobile device security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable" as a fundamental programming error that can lead to unpredictable behavior and security exploits. When the MDSS driver attempts to use a data structure without proper initialization, it may contain garbage values or unexpected states that could be manipulated by attackers. This uninitialized data structure could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service conditions within the mobile device's operating system. The flaw essentially allows for memory corruption scenarios where the uninitialized variables might contain sensitive information or be used to control program flow during execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5860 extends beyond simple functionality issues as it creates opportunities for sophisticated attack vectors within mobile environments. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to mobile device resources, manipulate data processing within the MDSS subsystem, or establish persistent access points within the device's security architecture. The vulnerability's presence in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms means that a significant portion of mobile devices could be affected, particularly those manufactured using Qualcomm's MSM chipsets. This widespread applicability makes the vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective, as it could affect millions of devices across various mobile platforms and manufacturers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and Google, as the flaw represents a critical security risk that could be actively exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include monitoring for patches related to CVE-2018-5860 and ensuring timely deployment across all affected devices. The remediation approach should focus on proper initialization of data structures within the MDSS driver code, following secure coding practices that prevent uninitialized variable usage. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network-based monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this class of vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such issues under privilege escalation and code execution techniques, making it essential for security teams to understand both the technical implementation and potential exploitation methods that could arise from this uninitialized data structure vulnerability.