CVE-2018-9507 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bta_av_proc_meta_cmd of bta_av_act.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect 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-111893951
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9507 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth audio streaming component of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the bta_av_proc_meta_cmd function located in the bta_av_act.cc source file, which handles metadata processing for Bluetooth audio streams. The vulnerability stems from an inadequate bounds check implementation that fails to properly validate the size of incoming metadata packets, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted data can cause the system to read memory beyond its allocated boundaries. This flaw 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 is particularly concerning because it enables remote information disclosure over Bluetooth connections without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability can be classified under CWE-129, which represents "Improper Validation of Array Index," and more specifically relates to CWE-125, "Out-of-Bounds Read." The flaw occurs when the Bluetooth audio subsystem processes incoming metadata commands from remote devices, where the system fails to properly validate the length of the metadata payload before attempting to access memory locations. This improper bounds checking allows an attacker positioned within Bluetooth range to craft specially formatted metadata packets that trigger the out-of-bounds memory access, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through network-based exploitation, specifically under the T1046 category for network service scanning and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, though the initial access requires only network-level communication capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9507 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive system information, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target devices without physical access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is common. This includes public spaces, corporate environments, and any location where Bluetooth-enabled devices are in use, as the attack can be initiated by any nearby device capable of establishing Bluetooth connections. The lack of user interaction requirements significantly increases the attack surface, as users do not need to perform any actions to be vulnerable to this exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android devices that support Bluetooth audio streaming, which encompasses smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and automotive infotainment systems, creating a broad potential impact across multiple device categories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9507 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as Google released fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent security patches. Organizations should implement Bluetooth connection controls and monitoring systems to detect unusual metadata exchanges, particularly in high-security environments where Bluetooth connectivity may not be necessary. Network administrators should consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on devices where it is not required for operations, and implement device profiling to identify and isolate potentially compromised devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in security-critical components, particularly those handling network communications. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and Bluetooth access controls can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while regular security assessments should include evaluation of Bluetooth stack implementations to identify similar bounds checking flaws. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security updates should be prioritized to address such critical vulnerabilities promptly.