CVE-2018-9431 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
In OSUInfo of OSUInfo.java, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to improper input validation. 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 • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9431 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the OSUInfo component of a Java application, specifically manifesting in the OSUInfo.java file. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify user-provided data before processing. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level where the application trust model is compromised, allowing malicious actors to exploit the weakness without requiring any interactive user engagement or additional execution privileges beyond what is already available. The flaw exists within the input handling logic of the OSUInfo module, creating a pathway for attackers to elevate their privileges locally on the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation as a core weakness category. This weakness specifically manifests when applications fail to adequately validate or sanitize input data, leading to potential security breaches. The attack vector for CVE-2018-9431 operates through the manipulation of input parameters that are processed by the OSUInfo.java component, potentially allowing an attacker to inject malicious data that bypasses normal access controls. The vulnerability's design flaw enables an attacker to exploit the application's trust in its own input validation mechanisms, creating a scenario where legitimate system operations can be subverted to achieve unauthorized privilege levels.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to system security as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share system resources or where applications run with elevated privileges. The exploitation process leverages the application's failure to properly validate input data, allowing an attacker to manipulate the application's behavior to gain higher system privileges. This type of vulnerability can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where the application may be running with administrative privileges or where the system's security model relies on proper input validation to maintain access controls. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the exploitability of this vulnerability, as it can be triggered automatically without any human intervention.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9431 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the OSUInfo.java component. Security measures should include comprehensive data validation, parameterized input handling, and the implementation of proper access controls that do not rely solely on input validation for privilege enforcement. Organizations should consider applying security patches or code modifications that address the specific input validation gaps identified in the vulnerability, ensuring that all user-provided data is properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, implementing defense-in-depth strategies such as runtime application self-protection, code review processes, and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into the application. The remediation efforts should align with ATT&CK framework tactics related to privilege escalation and input validation, ensuring that the solution addresses both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture improvements.