CVE-2018-9463 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2024
In sw49408_irq_runtime_engine_debug of touch_sw49408.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System 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-2018-9463 resides within the touch_sw49408.c driver component, specifically within the sw49408_irq_runtime_engine_debug function. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows for potential privilege escalation attacks, as the vulnerability occurs in a system-level driver component that handles interrupt runtime engine debugging operations. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited to gain elevated system privileges, making it particularly dangerous for embedded systems and mobile devices that rely on such touch driver implementations. The vulnerability's presence in a runtime engine debugging function suggests it may be triggered during normal system operation when debugging features are active or when interrupt handling routines process touch input data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from an incorrect bounds check implementation within the sw49408_irq_runtime_engine_debug function. This improper validation allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the affected buffer or data structure. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that specifically affects memory management within the touch driver's interrupt handling code. According to CWE standards, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the bounds check logic fails to properly validate input data against the allocated buffer size. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly exploited in privilege escalation scenarios, as the incorrect bounds checking creates a pathway for arbitrary memory modification that can be leveraged to execute malicious code with system-level privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9463 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for automated attacks. The vulnerability requires only system execution privileges for exploitation, meaning that an attacker with minimal access can potentially escalate their privileges to full system control. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques for privilege escalation, specifically targeting the "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" tactic. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the exploitability of this vulnerability, as it can be triggered through normal system operations rather than requiring specific user actions. The impact is particularly severe in embedded systems where touch drivers are critical components that handle input from users and interact with core system functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9463 should focus on immediate code-level fixes that address the bounds checking logic within the sw49408_irq_runtime_engine_debug function. The primary recommendation involves implementing robust input validation that properly checks array indices against buffer boundaries before any memory writes occur. Security patches should include proper bounds checking mechanisms that validate all input data against the maximum buffer size, preventing any out-of-bounds memory access. Additionally, defensive programming practices such as using safe string handling functions and implementing memory protection mechanisms should be employed. System administrators should ensure that affected devices receive immediate firmware updates, as this vulnerability can be exploited to gain complete system control. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of security testing for device drivers, particularly those handling interrupt processing and system-level debugging features. Organizations should implement comprehensive code review processes that specifically target buffer management and input validation practices to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components.