CVE-2018-9370 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
In download.c there is a special mode allowing user to download data into memory and causing possible memory corruptions due to missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9370 resides within the download.c component of a software system, where a specific operational mode permits users to download data directly into memory buffers without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when data exceeds the allocated memory space, creating potential for memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a memory management context where insufficient input validation allows arbitrary data to be written beyond intended buffer boundaries. The implementation lacks proper boundary verification before memory allocation and data transfer operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user to initiate a specific download operation that triggers the problematic code path in download.c. This user interaction requirement suggests that the vulnerability cannot be exploited automatically but rather needs deliberate user participation to activate the vulnerable function. The missing bounds check creates a scenario where memory corruption can occur during data transfer operations, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue indicates that successful exploitation could enable a low-privileged user to gain elevated system privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or external tools. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to the system but should not possess administrative capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9370 extends beyond simple memory corruption to encompass potential system compromise through privilege escalation. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can leverage the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability's location in the download functionality suggests that it could be triggered through various data sources including network downloads, file transfers, or other data input mechanisms that utilize the affected code path. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a pathway for attackers to move from user-level access to system-level control. The attack surface is primarily confined to local execution environments where users can interact with the vulnerable software, making it a significant concern for systems where user access controls may not be properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9370 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the download.c component to prevent memory overflow conditions. The most effective approach involves adding proper input validation and buffer size verification before any memory allocation or data transfer operations occur. Security patches should include bounds checking code that verifies data length against allocated buffer sizes, implementing defensive programming practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. Additionally, the software should incorporate memory protection mechanisms including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention features to make exploitation more difficult. System administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles and monitoring user activities that involve download operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068 suggests that exploitation may involve privilege escalation tactics, making defensive measures against unauthorized memory manipulation critical for overall system security posture.