CVE-2018-9434
Published: 17 January 2025
Summary
CVE-2018-9434 is a high-severity Incorrect Default Permissions (CWE-276) vulnerability in Google Android. Its CVSS base score is 7.8 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068); ranked at the 0.2th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 SI-16 (Memory Protection) and SI-2 (Flaw Remediation).
Deeper analysis
CVE-2018-9434 is a vulnerability in multiple functions of Parcel.cpp that enables bypassing address space layout randomization (ASLR). This issue affects Android components handling parcels, as indicated by the associated security bulletin, and could lead to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 and carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A local attacker with low privileges (PR:L) can exploit this vulnerability due to its low attack complexity and lack of need for user interaction. Successful exploitation allows escalation of privilege, potentially granting high-impact access to confidentiality, integrity, and availability by defeating ASLR protections.
The Android security bulletin at https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2018-07-01 details patches for affected Pixel devices, providing mitigation through updated firmware and software components.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2018-21028
Vulnerability details
In multiple functions of Parcel.cpp, there is a possible way to bypass address space layout randomization. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Direct ASLR bypass in Parcel.cpp enables local privilege escalation exploit without user interaction or prior privileges.
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Requires timely identification, reporting, and correction of flaws like the ASLR bypass in Parcel.cpp, directly preventing local privilege escalation exploitation.
Mandates implementation of memory protection safeguards such as robust ASLR to protect against unauthorized code execution enabled by this vulnerability.
Ensures secure configuration settings are established and maintained, including enabling and hardening ASLR protections against bypass in Android Parcel functions.