CVE-2018-5863 : Security Advisory and Response

A buffer overflow vulnerability affecting various Android releases from Qualcomm, Inc.

Understanding CVE-2018-5863

What is CVE-2018-5863?

A buffer overflow occurs in Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android when a too-large WPA RSN IE length is provided in the wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_ie() function of the Linux kernel used in CAF.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5863

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5863

Vulnerability Description

The buffer overflow vulnerability arises from inadequate input size validation in WLAN, specifically in the wlan_hdd_cfg80211_set_ie() function.

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 is exploited by providing a WPA RSN IE length that exceeds the buffer size, leading to a buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm or the relevant vendor promptly.
Monitor security bulletins and updates for mitigation guidance.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security fixes.