CVE-2018-9427 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CopyToOMX of OMXNodeInstance.cpp there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote arbitrary code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android ID: A-77486542.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9427 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android media framework, specifically in the OMXNodeInstance.cpp component responsible for handling OpenMAX IL (OMX) operations. This issue resides in the CopyToOMX function where improper bounds checking allows for memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability affects Android versions 8.0 and 8.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these operating system versions. The flaw manifests when the system processes media data through OMX components, which are integral to multimedia operations including video playback, audio processing, and camera functionality.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a flawed bounds checking mechanism within the CopyToOMX function that fails to properly validate array indices or buffer sizes before writing data. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and specifically relates to CWE-787, the out-of-bounds write condition. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the OMX component's memory operations by crafting malicious media data that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical control data structures. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the delivery of malicious media content such as videos or audio files that trigger the affected OMX processing path.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9427 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a pathway for remote code execution without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter multimedia content from untrusted sources. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering specially crafted media files that, when processed by the affected Android system, trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. This allows for complete compromise of the device, potentially enabling data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the Android media framework, which is actively used in normal device operations, meaning users are constantly exposed to potential exploitation through routine media consumption activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as the issue was addressed through Android security updates released in 2018. Organizations should implement network-based security controls to filter potentially malicious media content, particularly in environments where users may be exposed to untrusted media files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in system components that process untrusted data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should ensure prompt deployment of security patches and consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.