CVE-2018-11983 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2018-11983 was published on December 20, 2018, by Qualcomm, Inc. The vulnerability affects various Android releases from CAF that use the Linux kernel.

Understanding CVE-2018-11983

This CVE identifies a critical error in the kernel related to accessing freed mask pointers after reallocating memory for the mask table in Android releases like Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android from CAF.

What is CVE-2018-11983?

The vulnerability involves a Use-After-Free issue for mask pointers after memory reallocation, potentially leading to security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11983

The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to exploit the system, compromising data integrity and system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11983

The following technical details outline the specifics of CVE-2018-11983:

Vulnerability Description

The error occurs in the kernel when attempting to access freed mask pointers after reallocating memory for the mask table in Android releases 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 using the Linux kernel

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or disrupt system operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11983, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm or the respective vendors promptly.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory-related vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update and patch the affected systems to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.