CVE-2018-9534 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ixheaacd_mps_getstridemap of ixheaacd_mps_parse.c there is a possible out of bounds write due to a 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-9. Android ID: A-112857941
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9534 resides within the ixheaacd_mps_getstridemap function of the ixheaacd_mps_parse.c file within Android's media processing subsystem. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that arises from the absence of proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities where an attacker can write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer. The affected component is part of the Android media framework responsible for processing audio data, particularly in scenarios involving MPEG Surround audio formats.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the MPS (MPEG Surround) parsing logic. When processing specially crafted audio files or streams, the ixheaacd_mps_getstridemap function fails to verify that array indices or buffer offsets remain within valid memory boundaries before performing write operations. This missing bounds check creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can manipulate the parsing process to write data beyond the intended memory allocation. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the delivery of malicious audio content that triggers the vulnerable parsing routine during media playback or processing operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android devices as it can potentially enable remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user-level access. The attack vector involves an attacker sending malicious audio content that, when processed by the vulnerable Android media framework, triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This could allow adversaries to execute arbitrary code on the target device with the privileges of the affected media processing service. The vulnerability affects Android 9.0 and potentially earlier versions, making it a widespread concern across numerous Android devices and applications that utilize the affected media processing libraries.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, as the out-of-bounds write could potentially be leveraged to inject and execute malicious code within the media processing context. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the affected parsing routines, applying timely security patches from Android security updates, and potentially employing exploit mitigation techniques such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Additionally, users should avoid processing untrusted audio content and ensure their devices receive regular security updates to address this and related vulnerabilities in the Android media processing stack.