CVE-2018-11891 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android by Qualcomm are affected by a buffer over-read vulnerability in the WLAN HOST function.

Understanding CVE-2018-11891

This CVE identifies a security issue in Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel that can lead to out-of-bounds read in WLAN HOST function.

What is CVE-2018-11891?

The lack of a length check on an array access in the WLAN HOST function can result in an out-of-bounds read in various Android releases based on the CAF platform and using the Linux kernel.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11891

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to read sensitive information from the affected systems, potentially leading to further exploitation or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11891

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the absence of a length check on array access in the WLAN HOST function, enabling an out-of-bounds read.

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 can be exploited by malicious actors to read beyond the boundaries of allocated memory, potentially accessing sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or relevant vendors promptly.
Monitor security bulletins and updates from trusted sources.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Educate users and IT staff on security best practices to prevent future incidents.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest patches from Qualcomm or respective vendors to mitigate the vulnerability.