CVE-2018-9424 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In CryptoPlugin::decrypt of CryptoPlugin.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing 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 • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9424 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the cryptographic plugin component of a software system. This issue exists in the CryptoPlugin::decrypt function located in the CryptoPlugin.cpp source file, where insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms fail to properly constrain data processing operations. The absence of proper bounds verification creates a scenario where malicious input can cause the application to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and compromising system integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write rather than a traditional buffer overflow. This flaw operates at the intersection of cryptographic operations and memory management, where the decryption process fails to validate input lengths against expected buffer capacities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction and can be achieved through local execution, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation without requiring additional attack vectors or user engagement.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system security as it enables local privilege escalation without additional execution privileges, meaning an attacker with standard user access could potentially elevate their privileges to system-level access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the bounds of normal application functionality, making detection more challenging. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted cryptographic inputs, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise.
The exploitation of CVE-2018-9424 aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system tools. This vulnerability could be classified under ATT&CK technique T1068 for bypassing system protections and T1059 for executing commands through system interfaces. The local nature of the exploit means that attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access or escalate privileges to gain unauthorized administrative control over affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software components to implement proper bounds checking mechanisms in the CryptoPlugin::decrypt function. Organizations should also implement runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention measures to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous cryptographic operations or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other cryptographic components, particularly emphasizing the importance of input validation and boundary checking in security-critical functions.