CVE-2018-5893 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
While processing a message from firmware in htt_t2h_msg_handler_fast() 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, a buffer overwrite can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5893 represents a critical buffer overflow condition that affects Android devices utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and running kernel versions prior to the 2018-06-05 security patch level. This flaw manifests within the htt_t2h_msg_handler_fast() function, which serves as a message handler for firmware communication within the wireless networking subsystem. The issue specifically impacts Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android variants, making it particularly widespread across mobile platforms that rely on Qualcomm's wireless infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the firmware message processing routine. When the htt_t2h_msg_handler_fast() function receives communication from firmware components, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This oversight allows maliciously crafted firmware messages to exceed buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially elevate privileges and compromise the entire system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5893 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates opportunities for privilege escalation and remote code execution within the kernel space. Attackers who can influence firmware communication streams can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical kernel data structures, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation category, specifically targeting kernel-mode attacks that can bypass traditional security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation risk is heightened by its location within firmware communication pathways, which are often less scrutinized than user-space applications and may not be subject to the same security hardening measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5893 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations and individuals should immediately update their Android devices to versions containing the 2018-06-05 security patch level or later, ensuring that all firmware components have been properly updated. Device manufacturers should implement robust input validation procedures within their kernel-level message handlers, particularly focusing on bounds checking for all data structures received from firmware sources. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous firmware communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components, particularly those handling firmware communication, as highlighted in industry best practices for kernel security hardening and secure coding practices.