CVE-2018-5907 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer overflow in msm_adsp_stream_callback_put due to lack of input validation of user-provided data that leads to integer overflow in all Android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the Linux kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5907 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function of Android-based systems utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel implementation and affects multiple Android variants including Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-provided data before processing, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to system compromise. The affected systems operate on Qualcomm's Android for MSM platform, which is widely deployed across mobile devices and embedded systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during the handling of audio stream callbacks in the msm_adsp driver. When user-provided data is processed through the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function, the lack of proper validation allows malicious inputs to manipulate integer arithmetic operations. This integer overflow can result in memory corruption where the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the Linux kernel's audio subsystem and leverages the Qualcomm Audio Driver Subsystem's handling of asynchronous stream callbacks. The flaw manifests when the system processes audio stream parameters that exceed expected ranges, causing the integer overflow to occur during buffer size calculations.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to affected Android systems as it can enable arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges. Attackers can exploit this condition by crafting malicious audio stream parameters that trigger the integer overflow during callback processing. The resulting buffer overflow allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to escalate privileges and execute malicious code within the kernel context. This presents a severe threat to device security since kernel-level exploits can bypass standard Android security mechanisms including SELinux policies and application sandboxing. The vulnerability affects all Android releases utilizing the affected Qualcomm platforms, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of these chipsets in mobile devices.
The impact of CVE-2018-5907 aligns with CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow conditions as a critical class of vulnerabilities that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption. This vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and code injection. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it operates within the kernel space, providing attackers with direct access to system resources and memory management functions. The attack surface is particularly broad since audio processing is a common system function that applications and services utilize, increasing the likelihood of exploitation through various attack vectors. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android variants and hardware platforms makes it a particularly concerning threat to mobile device security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through official security updates from device manufacturers and Google. Organizations should implement kernel hardening measures including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and enhanced input validation controls. The recommended approach involves applying security patches that correct the integer overflow condition in the msm_adsp_stream_callback_put function by implementing proper bounds checking and input sanitization. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious audio processing activities and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should consider implementing runtime protections and enhanced memory management controls to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the audio subsystem. Regular security audits of kernel components and proactive vulnerability assessments are essential to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.