CVE-2018-9594 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In llcp_link_proc_agf_pdu of llcp_link.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 read due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local information disclosure over NFC with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-116791157.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9594 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the NFC (Near Field Communication) stack of multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. This flaw exists in the llcp_link_proc_agf_pdu function located in the llcp_link.cc source file, which processes Application Layer Protocol Data Units within the NFC Link Layer Protocol. The issue stems from an integer overflow that occurs during the processing of NFC communication frames, specifically when handling certain payload data structures. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which is a common class of vulnerabilities that can lead to unpredictable behavior and security consequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of unsigned integer values when calculating buffer sizes or data lengths during NFC frame processing. When an attacker can craft specific NFC communication packets that trigger the integer overflow condition, the system may allocate insufficient buffer space or calculate incorrect memory offsets. This results in the system reading beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the NFC subsystem without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it an attractive target for attackers who can establish NFC communication with a vulnerable device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers who can establish NFC connections with target devices. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction to exploit, meaning that an attacker could potentially access sensitive data simply by coming into proximity with a vulnerable device and initiating NFC communication. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for remote code execution through NFC protocols, though in this case the impact is more limited to information disclosure rather than arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, creating a broad attack surface that spans multiple major releases and potentially millions of devices in the field.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9594 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, which typically address integer overflow conditions by implementing proper bounds checking and overflow detection mechanisms. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize the deployment of security patches to all affected Android versions, particularly in enterprise environments where NFC functionality is prevalent. Additional defensive measures include implementing NFC communication filtering at the network level, disabling NFC functionality when not required, and monitoring for unusual NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile operating systems, particularly around integer arithmetic and buffer management, as specified in industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and the OWASP Mobile Top 10. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and device monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.