CVE-2015-3847 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Bluetooth in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48T allows attackers to remove stored SMS messages via a crafted application, aka internal bug 22343270.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
This vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth implementation of android operating systems prior to version 5.1.1 LMY48T and represents a significant security flaw that enables malicious applications to manipulate stored SMS messages through Bluetooth connections. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Bluetooth messaging framework, specifically when processing crafted Bluetooth messages that target the SMS storage functionality. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue where a malicious application can leverage Bluetooth communication channels to execute unauthorized operations on SMS message storage, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect user data. This flaw operates at the system level where Bluetooth services interact with messaging components, creating an attack surface that allows for unauthorized data manipulation without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in the Android Bluetooth messaging stack where crafted Bluetooth messages can trigger unintended behavior in the SMS storage subsystem. When an application establishes a Bluetooth connection and sends specially formatted data packets, the system processes these messages through a pathway that directly interacts with SMS message databases. The vulnerability specifically affects how the system handles message deletion operations through Bluetooth protocols, allowing an attacker to send commands that result in the removal of stored SMS messages. This represents a classic case of improper input validation where the Bluetooth service does not properly sanitize or validate the incoming message data before executing operations on the SMS storage. The flaw is categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and falls within the ATT&CK technique T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when considering the broader attack framework implications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss, as it represents a fundamental breach in the security model of Android messaging systems and creates potential for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker with a malicious application installed on a vulnerable device can remotely remove SMS messages stored on the device without user consent or knowledge, potentially destroying evidence of communications or compromising privacy. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited silently in the background, with no visible indication to the user that their SMS data is being manipulated. This makes it especially dangerous for users who rely on SMS messages for critical communications or for those who may be targeted for surveillance activities. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond installing the malicious application, making it a significant threat vector in mobile security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader system hardening approaches. The most direct solution involves updating to Android 5.1.1 LMY48T or later versions where the Bluetooth messaging stack has been patched to properly validate input data and implement proper access controls for SMS operations. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all vulnerable devices receive the necessary security updates, as the patch addresses the core validation issue in the Bluetooth service implementation. Additionally, organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around SMS message operations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices in mobile platforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and proper privilege separation in system services. Security awareness training for end users should include information about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.