CVE-2018-9346 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
In BnAudioPolicyService::onTransact of AudioPolicyService.cpp, there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local information disclosure 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-2018-9346 resides within the Android operating system's audio policy service implementation, specifically in the BnAudioPolicyService::onTransact method located in AudioPolicyService.cpp. This flaw represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can potentially expose sensitive information to unauthorized processes. The vulnerability affects the Android framework's audio policy management system, which controls how audio streams are routed and managed across different audio hardware components. The issue manifests when the system processes transactions related to audio policy configuration and management, creating a pathway for information disclosure through uninitialized data structures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper initialization of memory variables within the audio policy service's transaction handling mechanism. When the BnAudioPolicyService processes incoming transactions, certain data structures or variables are not properly initialized before being accessed or returned to requesting processes. This uninitialized data can contain remnants of previous operations, system memory contents, or other sensitive information that was previously stored in the same memory locations. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which falls under the broader category of information exposure vulnerabilities that can lead to data leakage. The flaw operates at the system level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any local process that can establish communication with the audio policy service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. An attacker with local access to an Android device can leverage this vulnerability to extract memory contents that may include cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, or other confidential information stored in memory. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered by any process running on the device. This local information disclosure threat can be particularly damaging in environments where multiple applications share the same device or where the device contains sensitive corporate or personal data. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the Android security model by allowing unauthorized data access through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9346 should focus on ensuring proper memory initialization within the audio policy service implementation and implementing robust input validation mechanisms. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security patches and updates that address this specific vulnerability in the Android framework. The fix typically involves initializing all memory variables before use within the audio policy service transaction handling code, preventing the exposure of uninitialized data to external processes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter - PowerShell, where attackers might use information disclosure to gather intelligence about system configurations and potentially escalate privileges. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory management practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations.