CVE-2018-9582 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In package installer in Android-8.0, Android-8.1 and Android-9, there is a possible bypass of the unknown source warning due to a confused deputy scenario. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-112031362.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9582 represents a critical security flaw within the package installer component of Android versions 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0. This issue stems from a confused deputy scenario that allows malicious actors to circumvent the system's unknown source warning mechanism. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the Android security architecture, specifically targeting the trust relationships between system components during application installation processes. The confused deputy problem occurs when a legitimate system component is tricked into performing actions on behalf of an untrusted entity, creating an unexpected security boundary violation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way the package installer handles permission checks and trust validation during application installation. When an application attempts to install another package, the system should verify that the source is trusted and display appropriate warnings to users. However, due to the confused deputy scenario, the installer component can be manipulated to bypass these security checks without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. This flaw effectively allows an attacker to escalate their privileges locally, transforming a regular user-level process into a system-level privileged operation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the system's core installation framework, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through conventional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious applications already present on the device. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malicious packages with system-level privileges, potentially enabling them to modify core system components, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur silently in the background without any warning to the end user, making detection extremely difficult. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the fundamental security model of Android's application installation system.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-9582 should focus on strengthening the authentication mechanisms within the package installer component and implementing proper access controls that prevent confused deputy scenarios. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all affected Android versions receive timely security updates and patches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect anomalous installation activities and ensure that the package installer component maintains proper trust boundaries during all installation processes. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining secure communication channels between system components and preventing unauthorized delegation of privileged operations.