CVE-2018-9502 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rfc_process_mx_message of rfc_ts_frames.cc, there is a possible out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the Bluetooth service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9.0 Android ID: A-111936792
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9502 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth service of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the rfc_process_mx_message function located in the rfc_ts_frames.cc source file, where a fundamental bounds check has been omitted during message processing. The flaw specifically affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, making it a widespread concern across a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-129 weakness, which represents an implementation error where insufficient validation of array indices or object bounds occurs, potentially leading to memory access violations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Bluetooth service's message processing mechanism where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets can trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. When the Bluetooth stack processes these malformed messages, the missing bounds check allows an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This particular flaw is especially concerning because it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it highly accessible to attackers who can simply send malicious Bluetooth packets to a vulnerable device. The attack vector operates entirely within the Bluetooth protocol stack, leveraging the inherent trust placed in Bluetooth communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive data stored in memory, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information. The lack of user interaction requirements means that devices can be compromised simply by being in proximity to an attacker's device, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in public or shared environments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which describes data compression or encoding techniques that can be used to exfiltrate information from compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the Android Bluetooth service directly, potentially compromising the integrity of the device's security posture and enabling further attacks through information gathering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9502 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions, as Google released security updates addressing this specific flaw in their regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that Bluetooth services are properly configured to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in network protocol implementations, particularly within security-critical components like Bluetooth stacks. Security teams should also consider implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting and access control policies to minimize the attack surface, while maintaining awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other network protocol implementations that may exhibit similar bounds checking deficiencies.