CVE-2018-9350 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2024
In ih264d_assign_pic_num of ih264d_utils.c there is a possible out of bound read due to missing bounds check. This could lead to a denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9350 resides within the ih264d_assign_pic_num function of the ih264d_utils.c file, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that fundamentally compromises the integrity of the video decoding process. This issue manifests as a missing bounds check during the handling of picture number assignment within the H.264 video decoder implementation, creating a scenario where the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the decoding of H.264 video streams and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can be exploited to disrupt normal system operations without requiring elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities beyond the initial user interaction required for exploitation.
The technical flaw in CVE-2018-9350 stems from inadequate boundary verification during the picture number assignment process within the video decoding pipeline, which directly correlates to CWE-129, or "Improper Validation of Array Index." This weakness allows an attacker to craft malicious H.264 video content that, when processed by the vulnerable decoder, triggers an out-of-bounds memory access pattern. The implementation fails to validate the range of indices used when assigning picture numbers, creating a condition where the decoder reads data from memory locations that fall outside the intended buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when developers assume that input parameters will remain within expected ranges without implementing proper validation mechanisms, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the broader ATT&CK framework. While the immediate effect may appear as a denial of service condition that prevents proper video playback, the underlying memory access violation creates opportunities for information disclosure or system instability that could be leveraged by adversaries. The requirement for user interaction indicates that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or malicious file delivery mechanisms, where users unknowingly initiate the processing of compromised video content. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers the use of malicious files to trigger system vulnerabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle multimedia content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9350 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from vendors, as this represents a critical security flaw that requires no special privileges for exploitation. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the ih264d_assign_pic_num function, ensuring that all array indices used during picture number assignment are validated against the actual buffer dimensions before any memory access occurs. Additionally, defensive programming practices should be enforced through input validation, including bounds checking for all array operations and the implementation of proper error handling routines that can gracefully manage invalid input parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and content filtering mechanisms to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious video content, while maintaining regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their multimedia processing infrastructure.