CVE-2018-9470 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In bff_Scanner_addOutPos of Scanner.c, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege in an unprivileged app with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9470 resides within the bff_Scanner_addOutPos function of the Scanner.c source file, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that can be exploited to achieve remote privilege escalation. This issue specifically affects unprivileged applications and requires no additional execution privileges for successful exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such applications are frequently used. The vulnerability stems from an improper bounds check implementation that fails to correctly validate array access boundaries during the processing of scanner output positions.
The technical flaw manifests when the scanner component processes output positions without adequate validation of the data boundaries, allowing an attacker to manipulate input data in such a way that writes occur beyond the allocated memory buffer. This incorrect bounds checking mechanism creates a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical data structures or even executable code. The vulnerability's classification as a remote privilege escalation means that an attacker can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges on the affected system without requiring local access or additional privileges beyond what is normally available to standard applications.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it can be exploited remotely through unprivileged applications, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges. The requirement for user interaction indicates that social engineering or targeted phishing attacks may be necessary to deliver the malicious payload, but once triggered, the vulnerability can provide attackers with substantial control over the affected system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific input data that causes the scanner to write beyond its intended memory boundaries, potentially leading to system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper bounds checking in memory management operations. From an attack framework perspective, this flaw would be categorized under the privilege escalation tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically within the privilege escalation technique where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access. The attack chain typically involves initial access through a vulnerable application, followed by exploitation of the buffer overflow to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9470 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the scanner component, including validating all array access operations and ensuring that input data is properly sanitized before processing. Security patches should address the specific bounds checking logic in the bff_Scanner_addOutPos function to prevent out-of-bounds memory writes. Additionally, application developers should implement defensive programming practices such as using safe string manipulation functions, implementing proper input validation, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar issues in other components. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of protection, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire software ecosystem.