CVE-2018-9499 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In readVector of iCrypto.cpp, there is a possible invalid read due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local information disclosure from the DRM server with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not 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-79218474
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9499 represents a critical security flaw in the Android DRM (Digital Rights Management) subsystem that affects multiple Android versions from 7.0 through 9.0. This issue resides within the iCrypto.cpp file, specifically in the readVector function where uninitialized data is being read without proper initialization checks. The flaw falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" which is a fundamental programming error that can lead to unpredictable behavior and security consequences. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper memory management in system-level components can create exploitable conditions that bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the readVector function processes data structures without ensuring that all memory locations have been properly initialized before reading their contents. This uninitialized data read creates a scenario where sensitive information from memory locations may be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized processes. The flaw specifically affects the DRM server component which handles protected media content and digital rights management operations. The lack of proper initialization checks means that when the function attempts to read vector data, it may retrieve garbage values or previously used data from memory, potentially exposing confidential information. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where it can access sensitive data that should remain protected.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure attacks that do not require any special privileges or user interaction to exploit. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be leveraged by malicious applications or processes running on the same device to extract sensitive data from the DRM server. The exploitation process is straightforward since no additional execution privileges are needed and user interaction is not required, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same system resources. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially reveal encryption keys, licensing information, or other sensitive data that could be used to bypass DRM protections or compromise content security.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1005 for data from local system. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how memory corruption issues can lead to privilege escalation and information disclosure. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Android versions, implementation of memory initialization checks in the affected codebase, and deployment of runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The Android security team addressed this issue through kernel-level patches and code modifications that ensure proper initialization of data structures before memory access operations.