CVE-2018-9565 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In readBytes of xltdecwbxml.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an integer overflow. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-9. Android ID: A-16680558.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9565 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's handling of WBXML (Wireless Binary XML) decoding processes. This issue resides in the xltdecwbxml.c source file where the readBytes function fails to properly validate integer boundaries during data processing. The flaw manifests as an integer overflow condition that can result in unauthorized data exposure without requiring any special execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android 9.0 systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-16680558, indicating its significance within the mobile platform security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper integer arithmetic handling within the WBXML parser component. When processing malformed WBXML data streams, the readBytes function performs calculations that can exceed the maximum representable value for the integer data type being used. This overflow condition creates a scenario where subsequent memory access operations reference invalid memory locations, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. The integer overflow occurs during the calculation of buffer sizes or data lengths, where the mathematical operation produces a result that wraps around to a much smaller value than expected, allowing for out-of-bounds memory reads.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android device security as it enables remote information disclosure attacks without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. Attackers can craft malicious WBXML content that, when processed by affected Android systems, triggers the integer overflow condition and subsequently exposes confidential information stored in memory. This could include sensitive user data, application information, or system credentials that may be accessible through the out-of-bounds memory reads. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through automated means such as malicious web content, email attachments, or other network-based attack vectors.
The security implications of CVE-2018-9565 align with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and information disclosure. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as the exploitation may involve crafting specific input sequences that trigger the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in security-critical code components, particularly in parsing libraries that handle external data formats. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android systems to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for reconnaissance and data exfiltration attacks against mobile devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the latest Android security patches released by Google, which address the integer overflow condition in the WBXML parsing component. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual WBXML data processing patterns and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent execution of untrusted content. Additionally, developers should review similar integer arithmetic operations in their own codebases to identify and remediate comparable vulnerabilities, ensuring proper bounds checking and overflow protection mechanisms are in place for all data processing functions that handle external input.