CVE-2018-5904 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, while list traversal in LPM status driver for clean up, use after free vulnerability may occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5904 represents a critical use after free condition within the Linux kernel implementation of Qualcomm's Android-based systems. This flaw manifests specifically within the Low Power Mode (LPM) status driver where improper list traversal during cleanup operations creates opportunities for memory corruption. The vulnerability affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's embedded systems ecosystem. The root cause stems from inadequate memory management practices during the driver's resource cleanup phase, where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated, potentially allowing malicious code execution or system instability.
This security flaw directly maps to CWE-416, which categorizes use after free vulnerabilities as a critical class of memory safety issues. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significant as it occurs within kernel space operations that control low power management functionalities. Attackers could potentially leverage this condition to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, thereby compromising the entire system's integrity. The LPM driver's role in power management makes this particularly dangerous as it operates continuously and maintains persistent system resources that could be manipulated through this vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5904 extends beyond simple system crashes or memory corruption. Given that this affects Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Services Module) platforms, which power numerous smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, the potential for widespread compromise exists. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android variants suggests that device manufacturers using Qualcomm's hardware components across their product lines face similar risks. This creates a cascading effect where security patches must be coordinated across multiple software layers and hardware platforms, complicating the remediation process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of kernel-level patches that address the improper list traversal logic in the LPM status driver. System administrators should prioritize updating affected devices to versions containing the patched kernel code, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire device. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce regressions in power management functionality, as the LPM driver's primary purpose is to optimize battery consumption. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to track any reported exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through kernel exploitation, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive cybersecurity operations.