CVE-2018-9435 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
In gatt_process_error_rsp of gatt_cl.cc, there is a possible out of bound read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9435 resides within the Bluetooth GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) client implementation in Google's Android operating system, specifically in the gatt_cl.cc source file. This issue manifests as a potential out-of-bounds read condition that occurs during the processing of error responses from Bluetooth GATT servers. The flaw is classified as a memory safety vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth protocol stack. The vulnerability exists in the gatt_process_error_rsp function where the system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations, creating a scenario where arbitrary memory could be read without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and more broadly under CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write or read conditions. This type of vulnerability represents a classic memory safety issue where the attacker can potentially access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires no special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. An attacker could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the device's memory, potentially including Bluetooth connection details, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that might be stored in adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9435 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the Bluetooth stack's memory management. The vulnerability affects Android devices running versions prior to the security patch release, creating a persistent risk for users who have not updated their systems. The lack of user interaction requirement means that the attack could occur passively in the background, without the user's knowledge or consent. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is constantly active, such as in smartphones, tablets, or IoT devices that maintain continuous Bluetooth connections to other devices.
From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the memory disclosure could potentially reveal information useful for further exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1082, system information discovery, as it provides insights into the device's memory structure and potentially sensitive data. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, which address the bounds checking issue in the gatt_cl.cc file. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for unusual connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of protocol implementations, particularly in mobile operating systems where Bluetooth connectivity is pervasive and continuously active.