CVE-2018-9423 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
In ihevcd_parse_slice_header of ihevcd_parse_slice_header.c there is a possible out of bound read due to missing bounds check. This could lead to denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9423 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the ihevcd video decoding library, specifically within the ihevcd_parse_slice_header function located in the ihevcd_parse_slice_header.c source file. This issue arises from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms during the parsing of slice headers in h.265 video streams, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted video content can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which occurs when a program attempts to access memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The affected component processes video slice headers as part of the h.265/HEVC decoding pipeline, making it a potential entry point for attackers to disrupt video processing applications that utilize this library.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user to interact with maliciously crafted video content, typically through a media player or video processing application that relies on the vulnerable ihevcd library. When such content is processed, the missing bounds check allows an attacker to manipulate the parsing logic in a way that causes the decoder to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. This out-of-bounds read can result in unpredictable behavior including program crashes, memory corruption, or in some cases, information disclosure. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges for exploitation since it operates at the application level where the video decoding library is invoked. The attack vector is primarily through media file manipulation, where an attacker crafts specific h.265 video data that triggers the flawed parsing logic when the decoder attempts to process slice headers.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to media processing systems, streaming platforms, and video applications that handle user-provided content. The denial of service condition can disrupt video playback services, cause application crashes in media players, and potentially affect broader system stability if the affected applications are critical components in larger systems. The vulnerability affects any software that utilizes the ihevcd library for h.265 video decoding, including but not limited to media players, video streaming services, and content processing applications. The requirement for user interaction means that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or by enticing users to open maliciously crafted video files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted media content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) as it leverages media processing applications to execute malicious payloads through crafted input data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9423 should focus on immediate patching of the affected ihevcd library to implement proper bounds checking mechanisms within the slice header parsing logic. Organizations should prioritize updating all systems that utilize this library, particularly those handling user-generated video content or streaming services. Additionally, implementing input validation measures, content filtering, and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should ensure that all buffer accesses within the ihevcd_parse_slice_header function are properly validated against buffer boundaries, preventing unauthorized memory reads. Network-based detection systems can be enhanced to identify suspicious video file patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, while application-level protections should include memory corruption detection and robust error handling to prevent exploitation from causing system-wide failures.