CVE-2018-9475 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In HeadsetInterface::ClccResponse of btif_hf.cc, there is a possible out of bounds stack write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege via Bluetooth, if the recipient has enabled SIP calls with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9475 resides within the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile implementation of Android systems, specifically in the HeadsetInterface::ClccResponse function located in the btif_hf.cc source file. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing incoming Bluetooth commands related to call list information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth stack's handling of call status notifications. The affected component processes incoming CLCC (Call List Command) responses from Bluetooth headsets and other audio devices that support the Hands-Free Profile specification, making it a critical component in the Android Bluetooth security architecture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within CWE-129, which describes "Improper Validation of Array Index" and is closely related to CWE-787, "Out-of-Bounds Write." The flaw manifests when the system receives a malformed CLCC response from a remote Bluetooth device without proper bounds checking on the size of incoming data. This allows an attacker to craft specially crafted Bluetooth packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The absence of proper validation means that the system does not verify that the incoming data fits within the allocated buffer space before copying data into memory. This particular implementation flaw exists in the Bluetooth Hands-Free profile handler, which is designed to manage phone calls through Bluetooth connections, making it a prime target for exploitation in scenarios where Bluetooth is enabled and paired with remote devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote privilege escalation without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable Android device can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively gaining full control over the device. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the Bluetooth protocol, which is designed for wireless communication and typically operates in environments where users expect minimal security barriers. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to 2018, making it a persistent threat in older systems that may not receive regular security updates. The lack of user interaction requirement means that the exploitation can occur entirely passively, without the user's knowledge or consent, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9475 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android systems through official security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices within their environment are updated to versions that contain the patched Bluetooth stack implementation. Network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required, particularly in high-security environments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and wireless communication protocols, emphasizing the need for proper bounds checking and input validation in all system components that process external data. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Bluetooth connection patterns and malformed command sequences that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should implement more robust Bluetooth security features such as secure pairing mechanisms and enhanced protocol validation to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of wireless communication protocols and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components.