CVE-2018-9408 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2024
In m3326_gps_write and m3326_gps_read of gps.s, there is a possible Out Of Bounds Read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to a local information disclosure 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-2018-9408 resides within the m3326_gps_write and m3326_gps_read functions of the gps.s module, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that fundamentally compromises system security. This flaw manifests as a missing bounds check during data processing operations, creating an exploitable pathway where malicious actors can access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the GPS subsystem component, which operates at system execution privileges level, meaning successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to extract sensitive information from system memory without requiring any user interaction to initiate the attack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the GPS communication routines. When the m3326_gps_write and m3326_gps_read functions process incoming data streams, they fail to verify that read operations remain within predefined memory boundaries, allowing for unauthorized memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which categorizes improper validation of array indices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 where adversaries collect data from local systems. The absence of bounds checking creates a predictable memory access pattern that can be leveraged to disclose sensitive information including system credentials, configuration data, or other confidential materials stored in adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to system-level data that could facilitate further exploitation attempts. Attackers with system execution privileges can utilize this flaw to gather intelligence about the system's memory layout, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or extracting cryptographic keys, passwords, or other sensitive data. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation requires only local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation is possible or where attackers have already gained initial system foothold. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to embedded systems and IoT devices that rely on GPS functionality, as it could enable attackers to extract confidential information without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9408 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the affected GPS functions. The most effective approach involves adding explicit validation routines that verify all buffer access operations before data processing occurs, ensuring that read and write operations remain within allocated memory boundaries. Security patches should incorporate defensive programming practices including the use of safe string handling functions, memory boundary validation, and runtime checks that prevent unauthorized memory access. Organizations should also implement regular code reviews focusing on buffer management and memory access patterns, particularly for embedded systems components. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all GPS-related modules are updated to versions containing proper bounds checking implementations, as this vulnerability affects the core communication protocols between GPS hardware and system software. The remediation process should include thorough testing to validate that the bounds checking does not introduce performance degradation while maintaining system functionality.