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CVE Record

CVE-2018-20509: The print_binder_ref_olocked function in drivers/android/binder.c in the Linux kernel 4.14.90 allows local...

The print_binder_ref_olocked function in drivers/android/binder.c in the Linux kernel 4.14.90 allows local users to obtain sensitive address information by reading " ref *desc *node" lines in a debugfs file.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This issue can expose sensitive kernel address information to a local user through a Linux Android Binder debugfs file. It is not described as remote code execution, but leaked addresses can reduce defenses for later local attacks. The provided sources do not give a CVSS score or a complete affected-product list.

Executive priority

Treat this as a bounded local information-disclosure risk, not an emergency remote compromise based on current evidence. Prioritize systems with untrusted local users, exposed debug interfaces, or higher-value workloads where address leaks could support chained attacks.

Technical view

CVE-2018-20509 concerns print_binder_ref_olocked in drivers/android/binder.c in Linux kernel 4.14.90. Local users may read debugfs "ref desc node" output and obtain sensitive address information. Evidence in the bundle is limited to the CVE description and vendor/reference links.

Likely exposure

Likely exposure is limited to systems using Linux kernel 4.14.90 with Android Binder and readable debugfs Binder reference output. Downstream distro, appliance, and vendor-specific exposure is not fully defined in the provided sources.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or cited evidence of active exploitation. The described access path is local read access to debugfs output, so risk is mainly information disclosure that may assist a chained local exploit.

Researcher notes

The key technical question is whether the vulnerable Binder debugfs output is reachable in the target environment. The bundle does not identify a patch commit, CVSS vector, CWE, or complete affected-product matrix, so validation should stay tied to vendor kernel guidance.

Mitigation direction

  • Check kernel, distribution, and vendor advisories for applicable fixes.
  • Update affected kernels or vendor firmware when guidance identifies a fixed release.
  • Restrict local user access on systems exposing Binder debugfs data.
  • Limit or disable debugfs exposure where operationally feasible.
  • Review NetApp guidance if using products covered by its advisory.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory systems running Linux kernel 4.14.90 or vendor derivatives.
  • Confirm whether Android Binder support is enabled.
  • Check whether debugfs is mounted and readable by untrusted local users.
  • Review vendor advisories for product-specific affected status.
  • Document whether local shell users exist on exposed systems.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2018-20509 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.