CVE-2018-9483 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In bta_dm_remove_sec_dev_entry of bta_dm_act.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a use after free. This could lead to remote information disclosure over bluetooth 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-2018-9483 resides within the Bluetooth stack implementation of Google's Android operating system, specifically in the bta_dm_remove_sec_dev_entry function located in the bta_dm_act.cc source file. This represents a critical security flaw that demonstrates a classic use-after-free vulnerability pattern, where memory previously allocated to a security device entry is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential for unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw occurs during Bluetooth device security management operations and affects the Bluetooth device manager component that handles security device entries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Bluetooth security framework where the system fails to properly validate the state of a security device entry before attempting to access its data structures. When the bta_dm_remove_sec_dev_entry function processes a security device removal operation, it performs a read operation on memory that may have already been deallocated, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition. This memory access violation can potentially expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions, including cryptographic keys, device identifiers, or other security-related information that was previously stored in the freed memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9483 extends beyond typical local privilege escalation scenarios due to its remote exploitation capability through Bluetooth protocols. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where Bluetooth communication is pervasive. The vulnerability allows for information disclosure over Bluetooth networks, potentially enabling adversaries to extract sensitive security information from Bluetooth-enabled devices, which could then be used to compromise other security mechanisms or facilitate further attacks. This remote exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for Exfiltration Over Bluetooth and represents a significant threat to mobile device security.
The vulnerability manifests as a use-after-free condition that falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed, and potentially relates to CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read. The security implications are particularly severe given that Bluetooth protocols operate in environments where devices frequently connect and disconnect, creating numerous opportunities for exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirements means that victims need not perform any specific actions to be affected, making this vulnerability particularly insidious in real-world deployment scenarios where Bluetooth connectivity is constantly active. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations through firmware updates and security patches, as well as network segmentation strategies to limit potential exposure.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management in security-sensitive systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in core system components can lead to significant information disclosure risks. The Bluetooth security framework's handling of device entries requires comprehensive review and validation to prevent similar use-after-free conditions. Security practitioners should monitor for related vulnerabilities in Bluetooth implementations and consider the broader implications for mobile device security management. The flaw serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous code review processes, particularly in systems handling sensitive security data, and underscores the importance of addressing memory safety issues before they can be exploited in the field.