CVE-2018-9358 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In gatts_process_attribute_req of gatt_sc.cc, there is a possible read of uninitialized data due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the Bluetooth process with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-6.0 Android-6.0.1 Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android ID: A-73172115.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9358 resides within the Bluetooth GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) implementation of Android operating systems, specifically in the gatts_process_attribute_req function located in gatt_sc.cc. This flaw represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can be exploited to extract sensitive information from the system. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from a missing bounds check during attribute request processing, which allows an attacker to potentially read memory locations that have not been properly initialized with valid data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which is categorized as a fundamental programming error that can lead to unpredictable behavior and information disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs within the Bluetooth GATT server component where attribute requests are processed. When the gatts_process_attribute_req function handles incoming attribute requests, it fails to validate the bounds of the data being accessed, leading to potential read operations on uninitialized memory regions. This uninitialized data could contain remnants of previous operations, system information, or sensitive cryptographic material that was previously stored in those memory locations. The attack vector requires no user interaction and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited over the air without requiring physical access or additional privileges. The vulnerability's classification as remote information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082: System Information Discovery, where adversaries can gather information about the target system through various means including protocol-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the uninitialized data read could potentially reveal sensitive system information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gather information about the Android system's memory layout, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive data that could be used in subsequent attacks. The lack of required user interaction and the absence of additional execution privileges needed for exploitation make this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile device security. The vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth stack functionality, which is critical for numerous Android applications and services that rely on Bluetooth communication. This type of flaw represents a significant risk to user privacy and device security, as it allows for passive information gathering that could be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9358 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking in the Bluetooth GATT processing functions and ensuring that all memory operations are validated before access. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability typically include fixes that add proper validation checks to prevent reading uninitialized memory regions. Organizations should ensure their Android devices are updated with the latest security patches from Google, as these updates contain the necessary code modifications to address the uninitialized memory access issue. System administrators and security teams should also consider monitoring Bluetooth-related network traffic for anomalous patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices in system-level code, particularly in security-sensitive components like Bluetooth stacks where uninitialized memory access can lead to information disclosure. Regular security audits of Bluetooth implementations and adherence to secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of Android and other mobile operating systems.