CVE-2018-9401 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2025
In many locations, there is a possible way to access kernel memory in user space due to an incorrect bounds check. 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
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel memory access flaw that allows local attackers to read arbitrary kernel memory addresses from user space without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The issue stems from an improper bounds checking mechanism within the kernel's memory management subsystem, creating a pathway for unauthorized memory access that bypasses normal security boundaries. The vulnerability exists across multiple kernel versions and affects systems that implement kernel memory protection mechanisms, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where kernel-level security is paramount.
The technical root cause lies in the kernel's failure to properly validate memory access boundaries when handling certain memory operations. This incorrect bounds check creates a memory disclosure vulnerability that enables attackers to map kernel memory regions into user space accessible memory areas. The flaw operates at the kernel level and affects memory management functions that should maintain strict separation between kernel and user memory spaces. According to CWE-129, this represents an improper input validation issue where the system fails to properly validate the range of memory addresses being accessed. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require any special privileges beyond basic user access, as it leverages existing kernel memory access mechanisms that should have been properly protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a direct path for privilege escalation without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction. An attacker with standard user privileges can leverage this flaw to access sensitive kernel memory, potentially extracting confidential information such as cryptographic keys, credential storage locations, or other privileged data. This memory disclosure capability can be combined with other techniques to achieve full system compromise, as the leaked kernel memory often contains information that can be used to bypass security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems where kernel memory protection is implemented, including various linux distributions and embedded systems that utilize kernel memory management features. Attackers can use this information to understand kernel memory layout, potentially enabling further exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within kernel memory management functions and ensuring that kernel memory addresses cannot be directly accessed from user space. System administrators should apply kernel updates that address this specific vulnerability, as most modern kernel versions include patches that correct the improper bounds checking behavior. The solution involves strengthening memory access controls and ensuring that kernel memory regions remain properly isolated from user-space processes. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and consider deploying kernel hardening measures such as kernel address space layout randomization. According to ATT&CK technique T1068, this vulnerability could be leveraged as a privilege escalation vector, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege separation is critical. Regular kernel security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar memory access flaws that could be exploited for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks.