CVE-2018-9480 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In bta_hd_get_report_act of bta_hd_act.cc, there is a possible out-of-bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the Bluetooth service 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-2018-9480 resides within the Bluetooth stack implementation of Google Android systems, specifically in the bta_hd_get_report_act function located in the bta_hd_act.cc source file. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when processing Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) reports, where the system fails to properly validate the length or bounds of incoming data structures before attempting to access memory regions. Such improper validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted Bluetooth HID reports could trigger memory access violations that potentially expose sensitive information from the system's memory space.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the scope of CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that occur when an application attempts to read data beyond the allocated boundaries of a buffer or memory structure. The flaw operates at the Bluetooth HID profile layer, where the system processes reports from HID devices such as keyboards, mice, and other input peripherals. When a Bluetooth HID device sends a malformed report that exceeds expected boundaries, the bta_hd_get_report_act function does not properly validate the input parameters before proceeding with memory access operations. This allows an attacker to potentially read adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive data including credentials, application state information, or other confidential system details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a remote attack vector that requires no user interaction or additional execution privileges to exploit. This characteristic significantly increases the threat surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent. The attack can be executed entirely over the air without requiring physical access to the target device, making it a prime candidate for network-based exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirements means that an attacker could potentially harvest sensitive information from multiple devices within range, creating a scalable threat that could compromise large numbers of Android devices simultaneously.
From a security framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves the use of network service scanning to identify remote systems and their vulnerabilities. The nature of Bluetooth protocols and the inherent broadcast characteristics of wireless communication make this vulnerability particularly susceptible to passive reconnaissance and automated exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with T1059 which involves the execution of code through system services, as the Bluetooth service is a legitimate system component that runs with elevated privileges. The exploitation chain involves sending specifically crafted HID reports through Bluetooth connections, which can be accomplished through various means including rogue Bluetooth devices, malicious applications, or network-based attacks that leverage the inherent trust relationships within Bluetooth networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9480 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the Bluetooth HID processing code, ensuring that all incoming data structures are properly bounds-checked before memory access operations occur. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches provided by Google and manufacturers, as this vulnerability was addressed in Android security updates released in 2018. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth HID report patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device configuration should include disabling unnecessary Bluetooth HID services when not actively required, and implementing proper Bluetooth security policies that enforce secure pairing and connection establishment procedures. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of Bluetooth-based attacks and implement continuous monitoring for unauthorized Bluetooth device connections that could be exploited to deliver malicious HID reports.