CVE-2018-9477 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In the development options section of the Settings app, there is a possible authentication bypass due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9477 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's Settings application that enables unauthorized local privilege escalation. This issue resides in the development options section, which typically contains advanced configuration settings intended for developers and advanced users. The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check that should have validated user authorization before granting access to sensitive system functions. According to CWE-284, this weakness falls under improper access control, specifically where insufficient authorization checks allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, allowing an attacker to escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or root access.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the Settings application failing to properly verify user credentials or authorization status when accessing development options. This missing permission check creates an authentication bypass scenario where any local user can potentially manipulate system settings that should be restricted to authorized administrators or developers. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to perform a specific action such as clicking on a malicious link or installing an application that triggers the vulnerable code path. This interaction requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of local system vulnerabilities requiring user engagement. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized modification of system configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9477 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker gains elevated privileges through this vulnerability, they can modify system settings, install malicious applications, or disable security features that protect the device. This could lead to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration capabilities, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Android devices running specific versions where the Settings application fails to properly validate permissions before executing privileged operations. From a security perspective, this represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where device security is paramount, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system functions without requiring additional attack vectors or elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective approach involves applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, which typically include proper permission validation checks in the Settings application. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for unauthorized system modifications. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar permission bypass issues in other system components and applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced across all system functions, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive configuration options. Device administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary development options on production devices to minimize potential attack surfaces, particularly in environments where security is a primary concern.