CVE-2018-9585 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In nfc_ncif_proc_get_routing of nfc_ncif.cc in Android-7.0, Android-7.1.1, Android-7.1.2, Android-8.0, Android-8.1 and Android-9, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-117554809.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9585 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem of Android operating systems spanning versions 7.0 through 9.0. This issue resides in the nfc_ncif_proc_get_routing function within the nfc_ncif.cc source file, which forms part of the NFC framework responsible for processing NFC communication protocols and routing decisions. The flaw manifests as a missing bounds check during memory operations, creating a scenario where malicious input can cause the system to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This particular vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking vulnerability, which directly relates to improper input validation and memory management practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs within the NFC subsystem's processing logic where the system attempts to handle routing information from NFC tags or devices. When the nfc_ncif_proc_get_routing function processes incoming NFC data, it fails to validate the size or bounds of the data structure being manipulated, allowing an attacker to craft specially formatted NFC data that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This memory corruption vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve local privilege escalation because the NFC subsystem operates with elevated privileges to manage hardware-level NFC communication. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically when NFC-enabled devices encounter malicious NFC content, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise through privilege escalation. An attacker with local access to an affected Android device can potentially gain system-level privileges, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious applications, or access sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects all major Android versions from 7.0 through 9.0, representing a significant attack surface across multiple generations of the Android operating system. The Android ID A-117554809 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed by Google's security team, though the widespread nature of affected versions means that numerous devices remained vulnerable for extended periods. Organizations and users must understand that NFC functionality, while useful for contactless payments and data transfer, can become a vector for sophisticated attacks when underlying security flaws exist in the system's core components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety practices in mobile operating systems where hardware-level subsystems operate with elevated privileges and can be exploited to undermine the entire security model of the device.