CVE-2018-9454 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bnep_data_ind of bnep_main.cc, there is a possible out of bounds 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. 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-78286118.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9454 resides within the Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP) implementation of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions ranging from Android 6.0 through Android 8.1. This issue manifests in the bnep_data_ind function located in the bnep_main.cc source file, where a critical out-of-bounds read condition exists due to insufficient input validation. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read vulnerability that occurs when the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming Bluetooth data packets before processing them. Such missing bounds checks create a scenario where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets could cause the system to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent nature of Bluetooth communication protocols where devices exchange data packets containing various network encapsulation information. When a device receives a malformed BNEP packet, the bnep_data_ind function processes this data without adequate validation of packet boundaries, leading to memory access violations that can result in information disclosure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs to buffers, and more broadly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction and can be exploited locally through Bluetooth communication, making it accessible to any device within range that has Bluetooth enabled and is running an affected Android version.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9454 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive system information, including memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into the device's internal state, potentially aiding in more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions from 6.0 through 8.1 indicates a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem, affecting a substantial number of devices that rely on Bluetooth connectivity for various services and applications. This type of local information disclosure vulnerability represents a significant security risk in environments where Bluetooth devices are frequently used, as it could enable attackers to gather intelligence about device configurations, running processes, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges required means that attackers do not need to have elevated permissions or physical access to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in shared or public environments where Bluetooth devices are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9454 primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google, which address the specific bounds checking issue in the BNEP implementation. Organizations should ensure all affected Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those released in Android security bulletins addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth communication controls, such as disabling Bluetooth when not in use, limiting device discovery, and implementing proper network segmentation to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring for unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a buffer over-read also emphasizes the importance of input validation and bounds checking in all network protocol implementations, serving as a reminder of the critical need for robust memory safety practices in mobile operating systems. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Android device fleets to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on protocol implementations that handle untrusted network data.