CVE-2018-9474 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In writeToParcel of MediaPlayer.java, there is a possible serialization/deserialization mismatch 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 • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9474 resides within the Android MediaPlayer framework, specifically in the writeToParcel method of the MediaPlayer.java implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from improper input validation during the serialization process of media player objects. The issue manifests when the system attempts to serialize MediaPlayer state information for inter-process communication or storage purposes, creating a fundamental mismatch between how data is written and how it is subsequently read during deserialization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-129, involving insufficient output validation, as the improper validation occurs during the serialization phase.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications typically operate with restricted permissions. When a malicious application or process attempts to manipulate the serialized MediaPlayer object, the deserialization process fails to properly validate the incoming data, potentially allowing an attacker to craft specially crafted input that bypasses normal access controls. The flaw occurs at the system level where MediaPlayer objects are serialized for IPC communication, creating a pathway for privilege elevation through malformed data manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain elevated access, and specifically relates to privilege escalation through system-level serialization flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android's media processing subsystem. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, modifying system files, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all Android versions prior to the security patch release and represents a significant threat to device integrity since no user interaction is required for exploitation. The flaw demonstrates a classic security issue where the serialization/deserialization process lacks proper boundary checking and input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate object state in ways that were not anticipated by the original design. This creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the trust relationship between system components during inter-process communication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9474 require immediate implementation of security patches from Google, which address the input validation issues in the MediaPlayer serialization process. Organizations should ensure all Android devices are updated to the latest security releases, particularly targeting the Android 8.0 Oreo and earlier versions that are most susceptible to this vulnerability. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability operates silently without user interaction. Additionally, developers should review their applications for any reliance on MediaPlayer objects that might expose the system to this attack vector, implementing proper input sanitization and validation measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in all serialization processes and serves as a reminder of the critical security implications of improper data handling in system-level components. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while maintaining compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 for mobile device security management.