CVE-2018-11842 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android, utilizing the Linux kernel, are affected by a memory allocation vulnerability during WLAN association.

Understanding CVE-2018-11842

This CVE involves memory allocation issues during WLAN association in various Android releases, leading to potential security risks.

What is CVE-2018-11842?

The vulnerability occurs when the driver attempts memory allocation during WLAN association but fails to allocate memory properly.
Subsequently, the driver proceeds to deallocate memory, even if it was not previously allocated, posing a security threat.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11842

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by triggering memory-related errors.
This could potentially compromise the integrity and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11842

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper memory allocation and deallocation processes during WLAN association in Android releases using the Linux kernel.

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

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating memory allocation failures during WLAN association, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-11842 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm or relevant vendors to address the memory allocation vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm and other relevant sources to deploy patches promptly and effectively.