CVE-2018-5898 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow can occur in msm_pcm_adsp_stream_cmd_put() function if the user supplied data "param_length" goes beyond certain limit 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 identified as CVE-2018-5898 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the msm_pcm_adsp_stream_cmd_put() function of Android-based systems utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel implementation used across various Android platforms including MSM-based Android releases, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android variants. The vulnerability specifically manifests when user-supplied data parameter named "param_length" exceeds predefined limits, creating conditions where arithmetic operations can overflow beyond the maximum representable value for the integer data type. This integer overflow condition occurs in the audio subsystem's PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) handling component that manages ADSP (Audio Digital Signal Processor) stream commands, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security and stability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the msm_pcm_adsp_stream_cmd_put() function which processes audio stream commands for Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Station Modem) platforms. When an attacker supplies a maliciously crafted param_length value that exceeds the maximum allowable integer bounds, the system's arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the overflow condition. This allows for potential buffer overflows, memory corruption, and arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. The vulnerability specifically affects the audio processing subsystem where the parameter length value is used to determine buffer allocation sizes, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-190: Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, making it particularly dangerous for system stability and security.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5898 extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing Android's security model and gaining complete control over affected devices. The vulnerability affects devices running Android releases from CAF (Code Aurora Forum) using Linux kernel implementations, particularly those deployed before the security patch level of 2018-06-05. This creates a significant risk for mobile devices that have not received timely security updates, as the attack surface remains open for exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple platforms including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android indicates widespread exposure across Qualcomm-based mobile ecosystems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges and potentially gain persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5898 require immediate implementation of security patches from device manufacturers and Google, as well as proactive system administration measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to security patch levels released after June 5, 2018, which contain the necessary kernel fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should implement monitoring for anomalous audio processing behavior and ensure that device firmware updates are applied promptly across all deployed devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking for the param_length parameter within the msm_pcm_adsp_stream_cmd_put() function to prevent integer overflow conditions from occurring during arithmetic operations. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing runtime protections and input validation mechanisms that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause system compromise, particularly in environments where timely patch deployment may not be immediately possible.