CVE-2018-11299 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android by Qualcomm are affected by a vulnerability that can lead to kernel panic or page fault due to improper WLAN FW behavior.

Understanding CVE-2018-11299

This CVE involves a potential issue in Qualcomm's Android releases that use the Linux kernel, impacting WLAN functionality.

What is CVE-2018-11299?

In Qualcomm's Android releases, WLAN FW may fail to populate the vdev id correctly in stats events, leading to memory access issues and potential system crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11299

The vulnerability can result in invalid memory access, triggering kernel panic or page fault, potentially causing system instability or crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11299

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The WLAN FW in Qualcomm's Android releases may not accurately populate the vdev id in stats events, causing the WLAN host driver to access the interface array without proper boundary checks.

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 issue arises when the WLAN FW fails to fill the vdev id correctly in stats events, leading to improper access to the interface array without appropriate boundary checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-11299 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
Monitor vendor security bulletins for updates and advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to the latest versions.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Qualcomm.
Ensure timely application of patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.