CVE-2018-9373 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
In TdlsexRxFrameHandle of the MTK WLAN driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote 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 • 07/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9373 resides within the TdlsexRxFrameHandle function of the MediaTek (MTK) WLAN driver component, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote privilege escalation. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition, a type of memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when a program attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer. The flaw specifically stems from the absence of proper bounds checking within the driver's frame handling routine, which processes incoming wireless network frames. Such a deficiency creates an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted wireless packets could trigger memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the MTK WLAN driver's handling of received network frames through the TdlsexRxFrameHandle function, which processes data packets from wireless networks. When the driver receives malformed or specially crafted wireless frames, it fails to validate the frame length or boundaries before writing data into memory buffers. This missing validation allows an attacker to manipulate the frame data in such a way that subsequent memory writes extend beyond intended buffer limits. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that an attacker does not require physical access or local execution privileges to trigger the condition, as wireless network packets can be transmitted from any location within range of the vulnerable device. This characteristic significantly broadens the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in wireless network environments where devices continuously process incoming frames.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9373 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire wireless network infrastructure, as the vulnerability affects the core driver functionality that manages wireless communications. When successfully exploited, the out of bounds write condition can lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges, enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. This elevated access allows malicious actors to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use compromised devices as launch points for further attacks within network environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote privilege escalation issue aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and reflects the characteristics of an attack pattern categorized under the ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile devices, routers, and IoT systems that continuously process wireless traffic without user confirmation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9373 must focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. The primary remediation involves applying official firmware updates from MediaTek or device manufacturers that include bounds checking implementations within the TdlsexRxFrameHandle function to prevent out of bounds memory writes. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices, particularly those operating in high-risk environments such as enterprise networks, public wireless access points, and IoT deployments. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect and block suspicious wireless frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also implementing wireless intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous network traffic. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromises. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in driver code and underscores the necessity of rigorous code review processes, particularly for components handling untrusted network input, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines and the OWASP secure coding standards.