CVE-2018-9398 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2024
In fm_set_stat of mediatek FM radio driver, 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 best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9398 resides within the MediaTek FM radio driver component, specifically in the fm_set_stat function where an out-of-bounds write condition occurs due to inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate memory operations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated memory space for a buffer. The MediaTek FM radio driver operates at a kernel level within Android systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain elevated privileges without requiring user interaction or additional attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the fm_set_stat function processes input parameters without proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or injecting malicious code into the kernel space. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must already have some level of access to the system, but once achieved, can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges to the highest system level. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain system-level access through kernel vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9398 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a pathway for attackers to gain complete control over affected devices running MediaTek-based Android systems. Since this vulnerability exists within a kernel driver, successful exploitation can result in persistent system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential denial of service conditions. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any user awareness or consent. Devices utilizing MediaTek processors in smartphone and tablet configurations are at risk, including various models from manufacturers who incorporate MediaTek chipsets into their mobile devices. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, access sensitive user data, and potentially control device functionality remotely.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers, as the fix typically involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the fm_set_stat function. System administrators should ensure that all MediaTek-based devices receive timely security updates and that kernel-level drivers are regularly audited for similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of exploit prevention mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring systems to detect unusual kernel behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and emphasizes the need for regular security assessments of device drivers, particularly those handling user input directly within privileged execution contexts.