CVE-2018-11894 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android developed by Qualcomm, Inc. are affected by a buffer overflow vulnerability. The issue arises during the processing of preferred network offload scan results, potentially leading to a buffer overflow due to an integer overflow when receiving a large frame length from the FW.

Understanding CVE-2018-11894

This CVE entry describes a critical vulnerability in Qualcomm-developed Android releases that could be exploited through a buffer overflow attack.

What is CVE-2018-11894?

CVE-2018-11894 is a buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android developed by Qualcomm, Inc. The flaw occurs during the handling of preferred network offload scan results, where an integer overflow may trigger a buffer overflow, especially when processing large frame lengths from the FW.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11894

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, compromise the affected system, or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11894

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is due to an integer overflow that can lead to a buffer overflow when processing preferred network offload scan results in Qualcomm-developed Android releases.

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 buffer overflow occurs during the processing of preferred network offload scan results, specifically when a large frame length is received from the FW, triggering an integer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11894 and enhance system security, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or the relevant software vendor promptly.
Monitor security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm for any patches or fixes related to this vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and IT staff about the importance of security best practices and awareness of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update and patch all software components, including the operating system, firmware, and applications, to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.