CVE-2018-9506 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_msg_cback of avrc_api.cc, there is a possible out-of-bound 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. 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-111803925
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9506 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) implementation of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the avrc_msg_cback function located in the avrc_api.cc source file, where a fundamental bounds checking mechanism has been omitted during the processing of incoming Bluetooth messages. The flaw specifically affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation through system vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Bluetooth AVRCP profile's handling of incoming control messages where the system fails to validate the length or boundaries of received data before processing it. When an attacker crafts a malicious Bluetooth packet containing malformed data, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can result in information disclosure attacks where confidential data such as system memory contents, cryptographic keys, or user information may be inadvertently exposed to remote attackers. The exploitation requires no user interaction and can be executed over an unauthenticated Bluetooth connection, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices are frequently paired or accessible in public spaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the Android security model. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about the target device's memory layout, which could aid in developing more advanced exploitation techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming attacks. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Android versions suggests that a significant portion of mobile devices in use may be susceptible to this attack vector, particularly in enterprise or industrial environments where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent. Security researchers have noted that the lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat modeling perspective, as it reduces the attack surface complexity and increases the likelihood of successful compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9506 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as Google has released fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent security patches. Organizations should implement Bluetooth access controls and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not in use, particularly in sensitive environments such as healthcare facilities, financial institutions, or government agencies. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust network monitoring to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting policies and regularly audit Bluetooth connectivity configurations to minimize exposure windows. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1071 for application layer protocol usage.