CVE-2018-9503 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rfc_process_mx_message of rfc_ts_frames.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure 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-80432928
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9503 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android multimedia processing subsystem, specifically within the rfc_ts_frames.cc component of the Android framework. This issue resides in the rfc_process_mx_message function where proper bounds checking mechanisms are absent, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input data can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of input parameters during the processing of multimedia frames, particularly those related to MPEG transport stream message handling.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. This weakness allows attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no additional execution privileges beyond normal user access and does not necessitate user interaction for successful exploitation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage existing system capabilities to extract information without requiring additional malicious code deployment. The vulnerability manifests during the processing of multimedia content, particularly when handling transport stream frames that contain malformed or specially crafted data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9503 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose confidential system data, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored in memory. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the Android system's internal state, potentially enabling further exploitation attempts or facilitating more sophisticated attacks. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that malicious actors could exploit this flaw through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the target device. The affected Android versions span several major releases, indicating that this vulnerability has remained unpatched across multiple security updates, creating a persistent threat vector for attackers targeting mobile devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat makes it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate or personal data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application through official Android security updates, as provided by Google through their regular security bulletins. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to the latest security patches, particularly those running versions 7.0 through 9.0. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual multimedia data processing patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing components, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of system libraries. Mobile device management solutions should implement strict policies regarding Android version compliance and ensure automatic security updates are enabled. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's remote nature makes it susceptible to widespread attack scenarios. The flaw serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in embedded systems and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in all software components handling external data.