CVE-2018-5908 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, there is a possible buffer overflow in display function due to lack of buffer length validation before copying.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
This vulnerability exists within the linux kernel implementation across various android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The core issue manifests as a buffer overflow condition in display functions where insufficient validation occurs before data copying operations. The flaw represents a classic case of inadequate input sanitization that can be exploited through malicious data injection into display processing pipelines. The vulnerability affects multiple hardware platforms and software variants, indicating a systemic issue within the kernel's graphics subsystem implementation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically manifesting in stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack surface encompasses all display-related functions that handle data from external sources or untrusted inputs, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where graphics processing is intensive and frequent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the kernel's display subsystem failing to validate buffer lengths before performing memory copy operations. When display functions receive data from various sources including user applications, system components, or external inputs, the code does not properly check if the incoming data exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because display functions are frequently invoked during normal system operation, creating numerous potential exploitation vectors. The lack of bounds checking in these critical code paths represents a fundamental security flaw in the kernel's memory management practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage through kernel-level manipulation. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that display functions are often accessible through multiple interfaces, including system calls, device drivers, and application programming interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs, potentially enabling full system compromise through privilege escalation or code execution attacks. An attacker could leverage this buffer overflow to gain unauthorized access to system resources, manipulate display output in malicious ways, or even execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The widespread nature of affected platforms means that numerous devices and systems could be vulnerable simultaneously, creating a significant risk for enterprise and consumer environments. Memory corruption resulting from this vulnerability can lead to unpredictable system behavior, data loss, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in multiple android variants and hardware platforms suggests a deep-rooted issue in the kernel implementation that requires comprehensive patching across affected systems. This type of vulnerability directly impacts system integrity and can be classified under the ATT&CK matrix as a privilege escalation technique through kernel exploitation. The potential for remote code execution makes this particularly dangerous in network-connected environments where display functions might receive untrusted input from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions across all supported platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. System administrators should prioritize updating kernel implementations to versions containing proper buffer length validation and bounds checking mechanisms. The implementation of runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at all display function entry points to ensure proper buffer length checking before any copy operations occur. Organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual display processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patching process must be comprehensive and tested across all affected hardware platforms to prevent partial remediation that could leave systems vulnerable. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary display functions and limiting access to display subsystems where possible. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other kernel subsystems that might present analogous security risks. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for kernel security and follow established frameworks for mobile platform security hardening.