CVE-2018-9392 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2024
In get_binary of vendor/mediatek/proprietary/hardware/connectivity/gps/gps_hal/src/data_coder.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-2018-9392 resides within the MediaTek proprietary GPS HAL implementation, specifically in the get_binary function located at vendor/mediatek/proprietary/hardware/connectivity/gps/gps_hal/src/data_coder.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the GPS data processing pipeline. The issue manifests as a missing bounds check that allows for potential out-of-bounds memory writes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security model.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when processing binary GPS data streams where the function fails to validate the length or size of incoming data before attempting to write it to memory buffers. This missing bounds verification creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data could overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executable code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where GPS functionality interfaces with core connectivity services, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation with system execution privileges required for exploitation. The attack vector does not necessitate user interaction, meaning that any process running with the appropriate system privileges could potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated access rights. This characteristic significantly reduces the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where system-level processes are already compromised or where malicious code can execute with system privileges. The implications extend beyond simple memory corruption as this flaw could potentially allow for code execution in kernel space, effectively compromising the entire system's integrity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and represents a classic example of how insufficient bounds checking can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. From an adversary perspective, this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it provides the foundation for executing malicious code with elevated privileges. The exploitation process would typically involve crafting specific GPS data packets that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical function pointers or system call tables, ultimately leading to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9392 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from MediaTek and device manufacturers who utilize the affected GPS HAL implementation. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring for GPS-related processes, as well as conduct thorough code reviews of all proprietary vendor components to identify similar bounds checking deficiencies. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing for proprietary code, particularly in critical system components like connectivity drivers and location services. Additionally, runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries should be implemented to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts, while network segmentation can limit the impact of successful attacks on GPS-enabled devices.