CVE-2018-11270 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-11270 affecting Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android from Qualcomm. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android from Qualcomm are affected by a vulnerability related to memory allocation in the Linux kernel.
Understanding CVE-2018-11270
This CVE involves memory allocation issues in various Android releases using the Linux kernel, potentially leading to data corruption.
What is CVE-2018-11270?
When utilizing the Linux kernel in Android releases from CAF, memory allocated with devm_kzalloc is automatically freed by the kernel if the probe function encounters an error code. This automatic release can result in data corruption.
The Impact of CVE-2018-11270
The vulnerability can lead to data corruption due to automatic memory release by the kernel, affecting the integrity and security of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-11270
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue involves memory allocated with devm_kzalloc being automatically released by the kernel if the probe function encounters an error code, potentially causing data corruption.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products: Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android
- Vendor: Qualcomm, Inc.
- Versions: All Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability occurs when the probe function in the Linux kernel encounters an error code, triggering the automatic release of memory allocated with devm_kzalloc.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-11270, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or relevant vendors promptly.
- Monitor security bulletins and updates from trusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the system with the latest security patches.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory-related vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure all systems running affected Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel are updated with the latest patches to mitigate the vulnerability.