CVE-2018-11898 : Security Advisory and Response

Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android by Qualcomm, Inc. are affected by a vulnerability that can lead to an out-of-bounds read due to processing start BSS requests with excessive SSID length.

Understanding CVE-2018-11898

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in various Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel, potentially resulting in an out-of-bounds read when handling start BSS requests with overly long SSIDs.

What is CVE-2018-11898?

When processing start BSS requests from upper layers, an out-of-bounds read occurs in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android based on CAF using the Linux kernel if the SSID length exceeds the maximum limit.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11898

The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access or information disclosure due to the out-of-bounds read, potentially compromising the security and integrity of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11898

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from a failure to handle excessively long SSIDs in start BSS requests, leading to an out-of-bounds read in Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android
Vendor: Qualcomm, Inc.
Versions: All Android releases from CAF utilizing the Linux kernel

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by sending start BSS requests with SSIDs exceeding the maximum length, triggering the out-of-bounds read in the affected Android-based systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11898, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or relevant vendors promptly.
Monitor security bulletins and updates from trusted sources.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.
Educate users and IT staff on secure Wi-Fi network practices to prevent potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Qualcomm and other relevant vendors.
Prioritize the installation of security updates to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities.