CVE-2018-9404
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on Android devices through an integer overflow in the RIL component. Attackers with system execution privileges can exploit this to gain elevated access without user interaction. Affects Android devices, particularly Google Pixel phones.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel
- Android devices with Qualcomm chipsets
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges, potentially installing persistent malware or accessing sensitive data.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps to break out of sandbox and access system resources they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched and app permissions are properly restricted.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires system execution privileges and knowledge of the RIL subsystem. No public exploit code is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level 2018-06-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2018-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update
2. Install the June 2018 security patch or later
3. Reboot device after installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict system privileges
androidLimit which apps have system execution privileges through Android's permission system
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app vetting and installation controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If date is before 2018-06-05, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows 2018-06-05 or later date.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual RIL subsystem activity
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploit
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical enterprise SIEM systems