CVE-2018-9497 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In impeg2_fmt_conv_yuv420p_to_yuv420sp_uv_av8 of impeg2_format_conv.s there is a possible out of bounds write due to missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9.0 Android ID: A-74078669
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9497 resides within the impeg2_format_conv.s source file of Android's multimedia processing framework, specifically in the impeg2_fmt_conv_yuv420p_to_yuv420sp_uv_av8 function. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that stems from inadequate input validation and missing bounds checking mechanisms. The flaw manifests when processing YUV420P to YUV420SP color space conversions, a common operation in video decoding processes where pixel data is transformed between different memory layouts. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the absence of proper boundary checks before memory access operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a function that processes video frame data without validating the dimensions or memory boundaries of the input parameters. When the impeg2_fmt_conv_yuv420p_to_yuv420sp_uv_av8 function handles YUV420P formatted video data, it performs memory operations that assume certain buffer sizes and data layouts. However, the lack of proper bounds checking means that if maliciously crafted video data is processed, the function could write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption scenario creates an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to execute arbitrary code on the target device. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the delivery of malicious media content that triggers the vulnerable code path during video playback or processing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread exposure within the Android ecosystem. This cross-version vulnerability suggests that the underlying code structure and memory handling patterns remain consistent across these releases, making the exploitation potential particularly concerning for device manufacturers and end users. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could potentially compromise devices through malicious video content delivered via various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised streaming services. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter indicates the potential for attackers to establish persistent access through this vector, as the successful exploitation could enable full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9497 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as the vulnerability affects core multimedia processing components that are integral to device functionality. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious media content and establish secure media handling policies that prevent automatic playback of untrusted video files. The vulnerability's exposure across multiple Android versions necessitates comprehensive patch management programs that ensure all affected devices receive timely security updates. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual memory access patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional runtime protections such as memory address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability's presence in the multimedia processing pipeline also highlights the importance of input sanitization and validation at multiple layers of the system architecture, particularly for any code that handles user-provided media content.