CVE-2018-9557 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In really_install_package of install.cpp, there is a possible free of arbitrary memory due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local escalation of privilege 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 ID: A-35385357.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9557 represents a critical heap-based memory corruption issue within the Android system's package installation mechanism. This flaw exists in the really_install_package function located within the install.cpp source file, where uninitialized memory variables create exploitable conditions that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects Android versions 7.0 through 7.1.2, encompassing a significant portion of the Android operating system ecosystem during that period. The flaw stems from improper memory management practices where the system fails to initialize memory regions before utilizing them, creating potential for arbitrary memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development, and represents a classic example of heap corruption that can be exploited through improper memory handling. The vulnerability operates at the system level where package installation processes are executed with elevated privileges, making the potential for privilege escalation particularly dangerous. When the installation process attempts to free memory that contains uninitialized data, the system's memory management routines can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. This occurs because the uninitialized memory may contain data that, when processed, can influence the execution flow or corrupt memory structures in ways that allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute code with the highest system privileges without requiring any user interaction or additional exploitation vectors. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Android devices are used in enterprise or government settings where system-level access can compromise entire networks or sensitive data repositories. The exploitation process does not require user interaction, meaning that an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability remotely or through automated means, making it a significant threat to Android device security. The vulnerability's presence in the core package installation functionality means that any application or system process that triggers package installation could potentially be leveraged to exploit this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9557 should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google, as this vulnerability was addressed through Android security updates released in 2018. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected Android devices are updated promptly. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or unexpected privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory initialization practices in system-level code and highlights the need for rigorous code reviews and security testing of core operating system components. Network administrators should also consider implementing device access controls and monitoring for suspicious installation activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068, which involves the exploitation of system privileges for unauthorized access to resources.