CVE-2018-9367 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
In FT_ACDK_CCT_V2_OP_ISP_SET_TUNING_PARAS of Meta_CCAP_Para.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. 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-2018-9367 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the FT_ACDK_CCT_V2_OP_ISP_SET_TUNING_PARAS function of Meta_CCAP_Para.cpp in a mobile device firmware component. This issue resides in the image signal processing subsystem where ISP tuning parameters are configured, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low level within the device's multimedia processing pipeline. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check data structures before writing to memory locations, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate memory contents through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel or system-level vulnerabilities. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means this vulnerability can be triggered automatically during normal device operation or through routine ISP parameter updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the system processes ISP tuning parameters without adequate validation of array indices or buffer boundaries. When the function receives parameter data, it performs insufficient checks to ensure that the input data will not exceed the allocated memory boundaries for the tuning parameter structures. This lack of proper bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including critical system variables, function pointers, or control structures. The memory corruption can occur in the context of a privileged process that handles image processing tasks, which typically operates with elevated privileges. This scenario creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation as the corrupted memory locations may contain critical control information that governs system behavior, allowing an attacker to manipulate the execution flow of the ISP subsystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9367 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional user privileges or interactive elements for exploitation. This means that once an attacker gains access to a device with this vulnerability, they can elevate their privileges from a standard user level to system level access, potentially gaining control over the entire device's multimedia processing capabilities. The vulnerability affects the broader system security posture by compromising the integrity of the ISP subsystem, which is crucial for camera functionality, image processing, and multimedia operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it involves core device functionality that is frequently accessed during normal operation, making exploitation more likely to occur in real-world scenarios. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the privileged ISP context, potentially leading to complete device compromise and persistent backdoor access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9367 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms and memory bounds checking within the affected ISP parameter processing functions. The primary remediation involves adding comprehensive bounds checking before any memory writes occur, ensuring that all input parameters are validated against predefined limits and ranges. Security patches should include proper array boundary validation and the implementation of defensive programming practices such as using safe string and memory manipulation functions. Organizations should implement runtime protections including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention mechanisms to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure code reviews and static analysis tools that can detect similar out-of-bounds write patterns in firmware components. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security assessments of ISP subsystems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild, particularly in mobile device ecosystems where such vulnerabilities can have severe consequences for user privacy and device security.