CVE-2018-5910 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all android releases(Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) from CAF using the linux kernel, a memory corruption can occur in kernel due to improper check in callers count parameter in display handlers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5910 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting multiple Android variants including MSM platforms, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. This flaw exists within the Linux kernel components that govern display handling operations, specifically within the kernel subsystem responsible for managing display interfaces and their associated data structures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the callers count parameter during display handler operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory management functions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of input parameters within kernel display handlers, where the system fails to adequately check the callers count parameter before proceeding with memory operations. This parameter validation failure allows for potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios when the display subsystem processes incoming data requests. The flaw manifests when kernel functions receive malformed or excessive caller count values that exceed expected boundaries, leading to unauthorized memory access patterns that can result in system instability, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. This issue directly aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of the length of input data, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations within kernel space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5910 extends significantly across affected Android platforms, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and related MSM (Mobile Services Module) architectures. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially achieve kernel-level privilege escalation, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The memory corruption can lead to denial of service conditions, system crashes, or more severe scenarios where persistent backdoors could be established within the kernel space. Mobile devices running these vulnerable versions become susceptible to attacks that could compromise user data, enable unauthorized access to communication channels, and potentially allow for persistent surveillance capabilities. The vulnerability affects devices ranging from smartphones to tablets and other mobile computing platforms that rely on the affected kernel implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5910 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by device manufacturers and kernel maintainers, as well as comprehensive system updates that address the parameter validation flaws in display handler functions. Organizations should implement robust monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts through abnormal memory access patterns or unexpected kernel behavior. Network administrators should consider isolating vulnerable devices from critical network segments and implementing strict access controls to limit potential attack vectors. The remediation process involves patching the kernel modules responsible for display handling, specifically addressing the callers count parameter validation logic to ensure proper bounds checking and input sanitization. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential custom implementations or modifications that might exacerbate the vulnerability, while maintaining continuous surveillance for similar memory corruption patterns that could indicate related or derivative security issues.