CVE-2018-9374 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2024
In installPackageLI of PackageManagerService.java, there is a possible permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9374 resides within the Android operating system's package management subsystem, specifically in the installPackageLI method of the PackageManagerService.java component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows malicious applications to bypass intended permission controls during the package installation process. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the Android package manager handles application installation and configuration, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of permissions during package installation procedures. When the PackageManagerService processes package installations, it fails to properly verify that the installing application possesses the necessary privileges to perform certain operations. This occurs in the installPackageLI method where the system does not adequately check the permission context of the calling process before allowing package installation actions. The flaw essentially allows an attacker with basic user-level execution privileges to manipulate the package installation process and gain elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9374 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent backdoor for malicious actors within the Android environment. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install malicious applications with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources, user data, and device functionality. This local privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction for exploitation, meaning malicious code can be silently installed and executed without user awareness. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to 8.0 and represents a significant weakness in the Android security model's permission enforcement mechanisms.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues, and maps to attack patterns within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates how weaknesses in system-level components can be exploited to achieve unauthorized access to protected resources. Security researchers have noted that this flaw particularly affects the integrity of Android's package management system, where the trust model between the system components and installed applications becomes compromised. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching affected Android versions, monitoring for suspicious package installation activities, and ensuring proper application sandboxing controls are maintained to prevent exploitation of this privilege bypass mechanism.
The remediation approach for CVE-2018-9374 requires system administrators to update affected Android devices to versions that include the patched PackageManagerService implementation. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous package installation patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission validation flaws can have significant security implications across the entire Android ecosystem.