CVE-2018-9589 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ieee802_11_rx_wnmsleep_req of wnm_ap.c in Android-7.0, Android-7.1.1, Android-7.1.2, Android-8.0, Android-8.1 and Android-9, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure in the wifi driver with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-111893132.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9589 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the IEEE 802.11 wireless network management subsystem of Android operating systems. This flaw exists in the wnm_ap.c file within the wifi driver component, specifically in the ieee802_11_rx_wnmsleep_req function that processes wireless network management sleep requests. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted across several major Android releases. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check during packet processing, allowing an attacker to manipulate wireless frames that trigger the vulnerable code path without requiring any special privileges or user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of wireless management frames within the 802.11 standard's wireless network management (WNM) sleep request processing. When the wifi driver receives a malformed WNM sleep request frame, the ieee802_11_rx_wnmsleep_req function fails to validate the frame boundaries before accessing memory locations. This missing bounds validation creates an opportunity for memory corruption that can result in information disclosure from the wifi driver's memory space. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the wifi subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can expose sensitive data that may include network credentials, device identifiers, or other confidential information stored within the driver's memory buffers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of the length of input data, and represents a classic example of buffer over-read conditions that are commonly exploited in kernel-level attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9589 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides an attacker with potential access to sensitive data within the wifi driver's memory space. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious wireless frames that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially extracting confidential information such as network keys, device configurations, or other sensitive data. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it can be exploited remotely through wireless network traffic without any user involvement. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of wireless network protocols to execute malicious activities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its presence across multiple Android versions, meaning that a significant portion of the Android ecosystem remains potentially vulnerable to this type of attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures within the wireless network infrastructure. Android device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches that implement proper bounds checking in the ieee802_11_rx_wnmsleep_req function, ensuring that all input frames are validated before memory access occurs. Network administrators should implement wireless network monitoring to detect and block suspicious wireless frames that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The patch implementation should include proper input validation mechanisms that check frame lengths and structure before any memory operations are performed, preventing the out-of-bounds read condition. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while maintaining continuous monitoring of wireless network traffic for anomalous patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel-level drivers and serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required in wireless networking protocols.