CVE-2018-5872 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
While parsing over-the-air information elements in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) before security patch level 2018-07-05, the use of an out-of-range pointer offset can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5872 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Android devices that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and the Linux kernel infrastructure. This flaw exists within the parsing mechanisms responsible for handling over-the-air information elements, which are essential components for wireless communication protocols including cellular network management and Wi-Fi operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts all Android releases from Qualcomm Automotive Framework (CAF) and related platforms such as Firefox OS for MSM and QRD Android, making it a widespread concern across multiple device ecosystems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking during the processing of information elements received over wireless networks. When the system attempts to parse incoming data structures containing over-the-air information elements, an out-of-range pointer offset occurs, leading to potential memory corruption scenarios. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that directly relates to buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability manifests when the parsing logic does not adequately validate the length or boundaries of incoming data before attempting to access memory locations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5872 extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This vulnerability can be exploited through malicious wireless communication signals, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no physical access to the device and can be triggered remotely. The attack surface includes cellular network operations, Wi-Fi communications, and potentially Bluetooth protocols that rely on similar parsing mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious code within the device's operating system. The vulnerability affects devices running on various Android versions including Android 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, making it a significant concern for enterprise and consumer deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5872 primarily involve applying the security patch released by Google and Qualcomm on July 5, 2018, which addresses the pointer offset validation issue through proper bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security update across all affected devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where wireless communication is heavily utilized. Device manufacturers and carriers should implement robust patch management protocols to ensure timely delivery of security updates to end users. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for unusual wireless communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems and mobile platforms, reinforcing industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques and comprehensive testing of network parsing functions. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as the nature of the flaw makes it particularly suitable for remote code execution attacks.