CVE-2018-9448 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avct_bcb_msg_ind of avct_bcb_act.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-8.0 Android-8.1 Android ID: A-79944113.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9448 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth AVCTP (Audio Video Control Transport Protocol) implementation of Android 8.0 and 8.1 operating systems. This issue resides in the avct_bcb_msg_ind function within the avct_bcb_act.cc source file, where insufficient input validation allows for memory access beyond allocated boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when processing Bluetooth control messages, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the message handling process to trigger unauthorized memory reads.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-131, which addresses incorrect calculation of buffer size. The implementation lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate the length and content of incoming Bluetooth control messages before processing them. This absence of validation creates a predictable memory access pattern that can be exploited to read adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data such as system credentials, application data, or cryptographic keys. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer of the Bluetooth stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard Bluetooth communication channels without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond basic Bluetooth connectivity.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9448 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information that could facilitate further exploitation. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device could potentially extract confidential information from memory, including but not limited to authentication tokens, session keys, or other proprietary data stored in adjacent memory regions. This vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1046, where adversaries use network service scanning to identify accessible Bluetooth services, and T1005, which involves data from local system storage. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not need physical access to devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as the issue was resolved in subsequent Android security releases. Organizations should implement Bluetooth access controls and monitor for unauthorized Bluetooth connections to reduce attack surface. Network segmentation and Bluetooth device authentication mechanisms can help limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of transport layer protocols. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and establishing robust incident response procedures for Bluetooth-related security events can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The flaw serves as a reminder of the critical security requirements for embedded systems and the necessity of rigorous code review processes for low-level system components that handle network communications.