CVE-2018-9485 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In l2cble_process_sig_cmd of l2c_ble.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. 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-2018-9485 resides within the Bluetooth Low Energy implementation of the L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol) layer in Google's Android operating system. This flaw exists in the l2cble_process_sig_cmd function located in the l2c_ble.cc source file, representing a critical security weakness that affects the core Bluetooth communication protocols. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check during processing of Bluetooth signaling commands, creating a potential out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited remotely without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction to initiate the attack.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Bluetooth stack's command processing mechanism. When the system receives Bluetooth signaling commands, the l2cble_process_sig_cmd function fails to properly validate the boundaries of incoming data structures before accessing memory locations. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to craft specially formatted Bluetooth signaling packets that can cause the system to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the handling of Bluetooth Low Energy connections and occurs during the processing of signaling commands that are part of the standard Bluetooth protocol implementation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android devices as it enables remote information disclosure over Bluetooth without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can exploit this flaw by sending malicious signaling commands that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as such vulnerabilities can potentially lead to system instability, denial of service conditions, or even facilitate more sophisticated attacks that leverage the leaked memory information for further exploitation. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the victim's knowledge or consent.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index bounds, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation in protocol implementations can create security risks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution through protocol manipulation and information gathering through memory disclosure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Bluetooth is widely used across mobile devices, IoT systems, and various connected devices where the attacker can potentially leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or disrupt normal device operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9485 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security fixes to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing Bluetooth radio management policies that limit exposure windows and disable unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not actively required can help reduce the attack surface. Network administrators should consider monitoring Bluetooth traffic for anomalous signaling commands that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should ensure that their Bluetooth implementations include comprehensive input validation and bounds checking mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of continuous security auditing of core protocol implementations and the necessity of robust memory safety practices in embedded systems and mobile operating environments.