CVE-2018-9338 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
In ResStringPool::setTo of ResourceTypes.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9338 resides within the Android system's resource management component, specifically in the ResStringPool::setTo function located in ResourceTypes.cpp. This flaw represents a critical security issue that allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check during string pool operations, creating a potential out-of-bounds write condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Android framework's resource handling mechanisms. When the ResStringPool::setTo function processes string data, it fails to properly verify array boundaries before writing data to memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where maliciously crafted resource data can overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the Android operating system's handling of resource files, particularly those containing string pools used in application packaging and system resource management.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android device security as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional privileges. An attacker with local access to an Android device can exploit this flaw to gain elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to modify system files, install malicious applications, or access sensitive data. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the need for social engineering or user deception. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities.
The impact of CVE-2018-9338 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental flaw in Android's resource management architecture that could be chained with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129 which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, making it a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to memory corruption issues. Security researchers have noted that such flaws in core system components like resource managers are particularly dangerous because they can affect multiple applications and system services that rely on proper resource handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include fixes to the ResStringPool::setTo function and related resource handling code. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to versions containing the patched code, particularly those running Android versions prior to 8.0. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access where possible. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in system-level code, emphasizing the need for comprehensive code reviews and static analysis tools to identify similar issues in other components of the Android framework. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual resource file modifications or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.