CVE-2018-5895 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer over-read may happen in wma_process_utf_event() due to improper buffer length validation before writing into param_buf->num_wow_packet_buffer 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-5895 represents a critical buffer over-read condition within the wireless media access control subsystem of Android devices. This flaw exists in the wma_process_utf_event() function which processes wireless events within the Qualcomm Android framework. The issue stems from inadequate validation of buffer lengths before writing data into param_buf->num_wow_packet_buffer, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted wireless packets could trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including MSM-based Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android platforms, specifically those released prior to the security patch level of June 5, 2018. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the wireless subsystem receives specially crafted wireless events that cause the wma_process_utf_event() function to write beyond the allocated bounds of the param_buf->num_wow_packet_buffer memory region. The buffer over-read condition allows an attacker to potentially read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, which could include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential information stored in memory. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android wireless framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The attack vector involves sending malformed wireless packets that trigger the vulnerable code path, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through kernel-level manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the Android security model. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive wireless communication data, potentially compromising the integrity of wireless network connections and exposing the device to further exploitation. The vulnerability affects devices running on Qualcomm chipsets, making it particularly widespread across the Android ecosystem where Qualcomm hardware components are prevalent. Organizations and device manufacturers must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, especially when evaluating the security of wireless communication frameworks and kernel-level components. The patch level requirement of June 5, 2018, indicates that this vulnerability was recognized as a critical threat requiring immediate remediation across the Android platform ecosystem, demonstrating the severity of buffer over-read conditions in mobile operating system kernels. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the ATT&CK matrix under privilege escalation and persistence techniques, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to maintain long-term access to affected devices through compromised wireless communication channels.