CVE-2018-9419 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In l2cble_process_sig_cmd of l2c_ble.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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9419 resides within the Bluetooth Low Energy implementation of the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically in the l2c_ble.cc source file. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs during the processing of signaling commands within the logical link control and adaptation protocol layer. The flaw is classified as a missing bounds check vulnerability that allows for unauthorized information disclosure through remote exploitation without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the l2cble_process_sig_cmd function, which handles Bluetooth signaling commands for low energy connections. When processing incoming signaling packets, the code fails to properly validate the length or boundaries of the received data before accessing memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specially formatted signaling commands that cause the system to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the Bluetooth subsystem, providing access to sensitive kernel memory regions that could contain confidential information such as cryptographic keys, session data, or system configuration details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited remotely without user interaction. The absence of privilege escalation requirements means that any attacker with network access to a vulnerable system can potentially extract sensitive information from the kernel memory space. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The remote exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices are exposed to untrusted networks or where devices automatically accept incoming connections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9419 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking within the Bluetooth signaling command processing functions. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant kernel patches that address this specific vulnerability, as the fix typically involves adding proper input validation before memory access operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit Bluetooth access to trusted environments and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not required. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth signaling traffic patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel-level code and highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing of Bluetooth implementations, particularly in embedded systems and IoT devices where such vulnerabilities can have widespread implications.