CVE-2018-9451 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In DynamicRefTable::load of ResourceTypes.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-6.0 Android-6.0.1 Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android ID: A-79488511.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9451 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android framework's resource handling mechanism. This issue exists in the DynamicRefTable::load function located in ResourceTypes.cpp, which is responsible for managing application resources and their references within the Android operating system. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check that allows malicious code to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. According to the Android security advisory, this vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the DynamicRefTable class which processes resource references during application loading. When the load function processes resource data structures, it fails to validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations. This missing validation creates an opportunity for an attacker to craft malicious resource files or manipulate existing resources in such a way that triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw specifically manifests when the system attempts to access reference table entries beyond the allocated memory space, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in resource management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9451 is significant as it enables local information disclosure without requiring any special execution privileges or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through local applications or system components that interact with resource files, potentially gaining access to sensitive data that resides in memory adjacent to the vulnerable buffer. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically during normal system operations. The information disclosure could potentially include system memory contents, application data, or other sensitive information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which focuses on data from local system sources, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter techniques that could be used to leverage the disclosed information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9451 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular Android security updates. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize the deployment of these patches across all affected Android versions to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms in resource handling code can help prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious resource file modifications and implementing strict application sandboxing policies to limit potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in system-level components and highlights the necessity of rigorous code review processes to identify and address potential buffer overflow conditions.