CVE-2018-11278 : Security Advisory and Response

Android releases such as Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android from CAF are affected by a vulnerability related to decoding input bit stream buffers.

Understanding CVE-2018-11278

This CVE involves a buffer over-read vulnerability in video decoding processes on Android devices.

What is CVE-2018-11278?

In Android releases using the Linux kernel, the decoding process involves Venus HW searching for a start code. If the start code is not found within the buffer, it can lead to an over-fetch beyond the allocation length, resulting in a page fault.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11278

This vulnerability can be exploited to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on affected devices, potentially leading to system crashes or instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11278

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the decoding process in Android releases, where an over-fetch beyond the allocation length occurs if the start code is not found in the buffer, resulting in a page fault.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: 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 can be exploited by manipulating input bit stream buffers to trigger the over-fetch condition and induce a page fault.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11278, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or the respective device manufacturers.
Monitor security bulletins for updates and advisories related to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your Android device to the latest software version.
Implement security best practices to protect against potential exploitation of video decoding vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Keep your device up to date with the latest security patches and firmware releases to mitigate the risk of exploitation.