CVE-2018-9381 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2024
In gatts_process_read_by_type_req of gatt_sr.c, there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9381 resides within the Bluetooth GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) implementation in Android systems, specifically within the gatt_sr.c source file where the gatts_process_read_by_type_req function processes read requests for attribute types. This flaw represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can be exploited to disclose sensitive information from the device's memory. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and falls within the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for reconnaissance and further attacks. The issue manifests when the Bluetooth stack processes read requests for attribute types without properly initializing certain data structures, creating opportunities for attackers to extract potentially sensitive information from memory locations that should remain private.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Bluetooth GATT protocol's attribute reading mechanisms, where an attacker can craft specially formatted read requests to trigger the uninitialized variable condition. When the gatts_process_read_by_type_req function handles these requests, it fails to properly initialize memory regions before returning data to the requesting client. This uninitialized data can contain remnants of previous operations, including potentially sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data that was previously stored in the affected memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional privileges or user interaction to exploit, making it a significant threat vector for remote attackers who can leverage Bluetooth connectivity to access information disclosure capabilities. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1059 which encompasses command and scripting interpreter usage for information gathering.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9381 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks against the affected device or its connected network. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain insights into the device's internal state, potentially identifying patterns in cryptographic implementations or extracting information that could aid in breaking encryption or bypassing security controls. The lack of requirement for user interaction or additional privileges makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is enabled by default or where devices are frequently paired with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This vulnerability affects Android devices running versions prior to the security patch release, particularly impacting mobile devices, wearables, and IoT devices that rely on Bluetooth GATT for communication protocols. The information disclosure could be leveraged to conduct advanced persistent threats, enable man-in-the-middle attacks, or provide attackers with sufficient information to target other vulnerabilities within the same system or network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in low-level system components can create significant security risks, especially when they occur in widely used protocols like Bluetooth GATT that form the foundation of numerous wireless communication scenarios.