CVE-2018-9391 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2024
In update_gps_sv and output_vzw_debug of vendor/mediatek/proprietary/hardware/connectivity/gps/gps_hal/src/gpshal_wor ker.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System 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-2018-9391 resides within the MediaTek GPS hardware abstraction layer implementation, specifically in the update_gps_sv and output_vzw_debug functions located in vendor/mediatek/proprietary/hardware/connectivity/gps/gps_hal/src/gpshal_worker.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check array accesses, creating a scenario where malicious data could overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. These weaknesses fall under the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that have historically proven to be highly exploitable in mobile device environments. The flaw manifests when the GPS subsystem processes incoming satellite data or debug information, where unvalidated input parameters are used to determine array indices without proper boundary verification. This allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical system structures or function pointers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for privilege escalation attacks, as it requires only system execution privileges to exploit rather than more complex user interaction requirements. The absence of user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile devices, where applications and system services may have elevated permissions. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain root access, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The impact extends beyond individual device security to encompass potential supply chain risks, as this vulnerability affects devices manufactured with MediaTek's proprietary GPS implementations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability would likely follow patterns consistent with the attack technique described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. Security professionals should consider implementing immediate mitigations including firmware updates, input validation patches, and runtime protections such as address space layout randomization. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous GPS data processing patterns and implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms would significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous code review processes for system-level components and highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing in proprietary hardware implementations that interface directly with core system functions.