CVE-2018-9572 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In impd_drc_parse_coeff of impd_drc_static_payload.c there is a possible out of bounds write due to 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-116224432.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9572 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android media processing subsystem, specifically affecting the impd_drc_parse_coeff function in the impd_drc_static_payload.c source file. This issue resides in the Android operating system's handling of dynamic range compression audio data, which is commonly processed during media playback operations. The flaw manifests when the system parses DRC (Dynamic Range Compression) coefficients without proper validation of array boundaries, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond initiating the problematic media processing operation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the absence of bounds checking mechanisms that should prevent memory corruption during array operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious audio content containing specially formatted DRC data that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. When the Android media framework processes this malformed data through the impd_drc_parse_coeff function, the missing bounds check allows the code to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. The attack vector is classified as remote code execution because the vulnerability can be triggered through various media delivery mechanisms such as downloaded files, streaming content, or even network-based media transfers. The exploitation requires only user interaction to initiate the media processing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently consume multimedia content. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables arbitrary code execution through legitimate media processing pathways.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9572 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a complete remote code execution capability within the Android environment. This vulnerability affects Android 9.0 and potentially earlier versions, representing a significant security risk for mobile devices that process audio content. The flaw can be leveraged to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The lack of additional privilege requirements makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise mobile devices at scale. The affected component operates within the media processing pipeline, which is frequently accessed during normal device usage, increasing the attack surface and exploitation probability. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat that requires immediate attention through security updates and patch management procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that handle user-provided content. This flaw underscores the necessity of robust bounds checking mechanisms in audio and multimedia processing libraries, as these components often process untrusted data from external sources. The security implications extend to enterprise environments where mobile device management policies must account for such vulnerabilities to prevent widespread compromise of organizational assets.