CVE-2018-9359 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In process_l2cap_cmd of l2c_main.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure 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-74196706.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9359 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth Low Energy L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol) implementation of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the process_l2cap_cmd function located in the l2c_main.cc source file, where a fundamental bounds checking mechanism has been omitted during the processing of L2CAP commands. The absence of proper input validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets can trigger memory access violations that extend beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This particular vulnerability affects a wide range of Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a persistent flaw across multiple generations of the Android platform that has remained unaddressed for several years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Bluetooth L2CAP command packets that are processed by the affected Android devices. When the system receives a specially crafted L2CAP command, the missing bounds check allows the processing logic to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. This information disclosure occurs without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making the exploit particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely through Bluetooth connections. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper bounds checking, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation in network protocol implementations can lead to data exposure. The flaw operates at the protocol stack level, specifically within the Bluetooth subsystem, making it a critical component of the Android security architecture that requires careful attention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system data, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information stored in memory adjacent to the vulnerable buffer. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform remote reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about the target device's configuration, or potentially extract credentials and other sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited in passive scenarios where an attacker simply needs to establish a Bluetooth connection to the target device. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1046 technique for Network Service Scanning and T1005 for Data from Local System, as it enables remote data extraction without requiring direct user engagement. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Android versions indicates a systemic issue within the Bluetooth implementation that has persisted through various security updates, highlighting the importance of thorough protocol validation in mobile operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9359 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth L2CAP processing code to prevent out-of-bounds memory access. Android security patches typically address this by adding validation checks before buffer access operations, ensuring that all input data is properly validated against expected ranges and sizes. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant Android security updates that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the patch implementations typically involve adding boundary checks in the process_l2cap_cmd function. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services when not required, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in network protocol implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in buffer management can lead to significant security implications. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while system administrators should maintain awareness of the specific Android versions affected and ensure timely deployment of security patches to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.