CVE-2018-9394 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2024
In mtk_p2p_wext_set_key of drivers/misc/mediatek/connectivity/wlan/gen2/os/linux/gl_p2p.c, there is a possible OOB write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9394 resides within the MediaTek connectivity driver component, specifically in the mtk_p2p_wext_set_key function located in drivers/misc/mediatek/connectivity/wlan/gen2/os/linux/gl_p2p.c. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds write condition that emerges from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The issue manifests when processing wireless network key configurations in P2P (Peer-to-Peer) networking contexts, where the driver fails to properly validate the size or boundaries of input data structures before performing memory write operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs during the handling of wireless security key operations where the driver does not adequately check the length of provided key data against the allocated buffer space. This allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, which can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it targets kernel-level components rather than user-space applications, making it particularly concerning for privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9394 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation attacks. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious actors with local access to the system. The attack surface encompasses devices running MediaTek connectivity drivers, particularly those supporting P2P wireless networking features. When exploited, the vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire system, as the flaw exists within the kernel driver layer where critical system operations are processed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the affected driver code. The recommended approach involves implementing proper bounds checking before memory write operations, ensuring that input data lengths are validated against allocated buffer sizes. Additionally, code reviews should emphasize secure coding practices for kernel drivers, particularly around memory management and input sanitization. System administrators should ensure timely patching of affected MediaTek driver components, while security researchers should consider this vulnerability when assessing embedded system security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically within the T1068 - Steal or Forge Authentication Tokens and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter categories, as exploitation could lead to full system compromise through kernel-level access.