CVE-2018-9508 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In smp_process_keypress_notification of smp_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 ID: A-111936834
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9508 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the Android Bluetooth subsystem, specifically in the smp_process_keypress_notification function located in smp_act.cc. This flaw exists within the Bluetooth Security Manager Protocol implementation and demonstrates a classic bounds checking error that can be exploited remotely without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across the Android platform's Bluetooth stack.
The technical flaw stems from an incorrect bounds check implementation that fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits when processing Bluetooth keypress notifications. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a variant of the more general CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The improper validation allows an attacker to manipulate Bluetooth communication packets in such a way that when the system processes keypress notifications, it attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition creates a potential information disclosure channel where sensitive data from adjacent memory regions could be accessed and potentially exfiltrated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a remote attack vector that can be exploited through Bluetooth communication without any user interaction. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1046 (Network Service Scanning) and T1005 (Data from Local System) where an attacker can leverage the Bluetooth interface to discover system information and extract sensitive data. The lack of requirement for additional execution privileges or user interaction makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by adversaries in the Bluetooth proximity range without needing to compromise other system components first.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates how Bluetooth protocol implementations can introduce security risks even in well-established communication frameworks. The flaw exists within the core Bluetooth security management protocol handling code, making it a fundamental weakness in Android's Bluetooth stack that affects all devices running the vulnerable Android versions. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat that requires immediate attention, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information, including cryptographic keys, memory contents, or other confidential data that may be stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's classification as remote information disclosure aligns with security standards that emphasize the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in network protocol implementations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the latest Android security patches and updates provided by Google, as well as implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring mechanisms. Network administrators should consider disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required, and organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Android device fleets to identify and remediate affected systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of robust code review processes and formal verification techniques in protocol implementation to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.