CVE-2018-9387 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2025
In multiple functions of mnh-sm.c, there is a possible way to trigger a heap overflow due to an integer overflow. 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 • 02/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9387 resides within the mnh-sm.c source file and represents a critical heap overflow condition stemming from integer overflow issues in multiple functions. This flaw manifests in the kernel-level network management subsystem where improper handling of integer arithmetic creates opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation processes. The integer overflow occurs when calculations exceed the maximum representable value for the data type, leading to unexpected behavior in memory management operations that ultimately result in heap corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent properties of integer arithmetic in kernel space operations where the mnh-sm.c functions fail to properly validate input parameters before performing calculations that determine memory allocation sizes. When these calculations overflow, they produce unexpectedly small values that subsequently lead to insufficient memory allocation for heap operations. This creates a scenario where subsequent memory writes can overwrite adjacent heap regions, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within kernel space, eliminating the need for elevated privileges to initiate the exploitation sequence.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9387 extends beyond simple memory corruption to encompass full system compromise through local privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for environments where unprivileged users have access to systems running affected software. The heap overflow condition can be manipulated to overwrite critical kernel data structures, function pointers, or control flow information, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9387 should focus on immediate code-level fixes that address the integer overflow conditions in the mnh-sm.c functions. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking before any arithmetic operations that determine memory allocation sizes. Security patches should include explicit integer overflow detection mechanisms that prevent calculations from exceeding safe limits, along with comprehensive testing of edge cases that could trigger the vulnerable conditions. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor-specific patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities for privilege escalation. The flaw represents a classic example of how seemingly benign arithmetic operations in kernel code can create catastrophic security implications when proper validation is absent. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers who seek to establish persistent access to target systems without requiring physical presence or user cooperation, thereby increasing the attack surface and potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.