CVE-2018-5919 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 use after free issue in WLAN host driver can lead to device reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5919 represents a critical use after free condition within the WLAN host driver component of various Android-based systems developed by Qualcomm Technologies Inc. This flaw exists in the Linux kernel implementations across multiple Qualcomm Android platforms including MSM variants, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android systems. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the wireless networking driver code where freed memory blocks are accessed after deallocation, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors. The specific nature of this issue places it squarely within the scope of CWE-416, which defines use after free vulnerabilities as a class of memory safety issues where program code continues to reference memory that has already been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the WLAN host driver processes certain network packets or handles specific wireless communication events that trigger memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the same memory locations. This particular flaw manifests as a device reboot condition rather than direct code execution, though the underlying memory corruption can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The Linux kernel implementation of the WLAN driver in these Qualcomm-based systems fails to properly validate memory references after deallocation, creating a scenario where attackers could potentially craft malicious network packets or trigger specific wireless events that would cause the driver to access freed memory regions. This type of memory corruption typically results in kernel panics or system instability that manifests as unexpected device reboots.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5919 extends beyond simple device disruption, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could potentially be exploited to achieve privilege escalation or system compromise. While the immediate effect is device rebooting, the underlying memory corruption vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges within the system or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Qualcomm-based devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize the affected Linux kernel implementations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects multiple Android variants and operating systems, suggesting a systemic issue within Qualcomm's driver implementation that could be exploited across numerous device models and manufacturers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and system vendors, as well as implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult. The recommended approach includes applying the latest security patches provided by Qualcomm and device manufacturers, which typically involve correcting the memory management logic in the WLAN host driver to properly handle memory deallocation and reference validation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while considering the application of additional security controls such as mandatory access controls and kernel integrity checks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and represents a clear example of how driver-level vulnerabilities can create persistent security risks across multiple device platforms. The presence of such vulnerabilities underscores the critical importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of kernel components, particularly in mobile platforms where wireless connectivity is fundamental to device functionality.