CVE-2018-9411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In decrypt of ClearKeyCasPlugin.cpp there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote arbitrary code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9411 resides within the ClearKeyCasPlugin.cpp component of a software system, specifically manifesting in the decryption functionality. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the cryptographic processing pipeline. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which denotes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array, potentially leading to memory corruption and system instability. The affected system employs a content access control mechanism that utilizes the ClearKey cryptographic framework for digital rights management operations, making it susceptible to exploitation through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal validation procedures.
The technical implementation flaw occurs during the decryption process where the software fails to properly validate the length or boundaries of input data before performing memory operations. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where maliciously constructed data can cause the application to write beyond allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must convince a victim to perform a specific action such as opening a malicious file, visiting a compromised website, or executing a particular sequence of operations within the application interface. This user interaction requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access to systems through user interaction, typically through social engineering or malicious file delivery methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a pathway for remote arbitrary code execution without requiring additional privileges or elevated access rights. This means that an attacker could potentially execute malicious code with the same privileges as the targeted application, which could range from standard user permissions to system-level access depending on the application's operational context. The lack of additional execution privileges needed for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it reduces the attack surface and eliminates the need for privilege escalation techniques that would typically be required in more complex exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize the ClearKey cryptographic plugin for content protection, which could include media players, streaming platforms, or digital rights management systems across various operating environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9411 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms that enforce strict bounds checking on all data processed by the decryption functions. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patch or update that addresses the specific bounds checking deficiency in the ClearKeyCasPlugin.cpp file. Organizations should also implement network-level protections including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and data execution prevention mechanisms to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review of similar functions within the same codebase to identify and address potential analogous vulnerabilities, as well as implementing comprehensive testing procedures that include fuzzing and boundary condition testing to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.