CVE-2018-9404 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2024
In oemCallback of ril.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. 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-2018-9404 resides within the ril.cpp file of an Android system implementation where the oemCallback function processes incoming radio interface layer messages. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from improper input validation and integer overflow handling within the telecommunications subsystem. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes certain modem responses that contain maliciously crafted data structures, specifically targeting the boundary conditions of memory allocation operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption. The integer overflow occurs during the calculation of buffer sizes or array indices within the oemCallback function, where an attacker can manipulate input parameters to cause arithmetic operations to produce values that exceed the intended memory boundaries. This overflow results in a situation where subsequent write operations target memory locations outside the originally allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including critical system structures or executable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical memory corruption scenarios due to its privilege escalation potential. While exploitation does not require user interaction, it necessitates System execution privileges as a prerequisite for successful exploitation. This means that an attacker who already possesses system-level access could leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the Android system, potentially achieving full control over the device's telecommunications functionality. The vulnerability affects the radio interface layer which handles all modem communications, making it a critical component for exploitation.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges. The attack vector leverages the existing system execution privileges to perform local privilege escalation, which aligns with the ATT&CK framework's approach to privilege escalation through software exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially enabling automated attacks against vulnerable devices.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9404 should focus on implementing robust input validation and bounds checking within the ril.cpp file, particularly in the oemCallback function. Developers should employ integer overflow detection mechanisms and ensure that all buffer size calculations include proper overflow checks before memory allocation occurs. Additionally, implementing proper memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and code execution prevention techniques would significantly reduce the exploitability of this vulnerability. The fix should also include comprehensive testing of boundary conditions and input validation to prevent similar integer overflow scenarios from occurring in other parts of the telecommunications subsystem.