CVE-2018-9542 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_pars_vendor_rsp of avrc_pars_ct.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure 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. Android ID: A-111896861
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9542 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) implementation. This issue exists in the avrc_pars_vendor_rsp function located in the avrc_pars_ct.cc source file, which is part of the Android Bluetooth stack responsible for parsing vendor-specific responses during Bluetooth device communication. The flaw stems from the absence of proper bounds checking when processing incoming Bluetooth packets, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted data could trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 7.0 through 9.0, encompassing a significant portion of the Android ecosystem and exposing millions of devices to potential exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited to extract sensitive information from memory. The flaw operates at the Bluetooth protocol parsing layer where the system processes vendor-specific commands sent between Bluetooth devices, particularly affecting the AVRCP profile that handles media control commands between audio devices and controllers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through Bluetooth communication without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely. The absence of user interaction requirements places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for remote code execution techniques and T1068 for local privilege escalation, though in this case the exploitation occurs remotely through Bluetooth protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9542 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive data from the device's memory, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information. This vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth functionality of Android devices, meaning any device running the affected versions could be compromised through Bluetooth connections with malicious devices. The exploitation scenario involves a remote attacker who can send specially crafted Bluetooth packets to a vulnerable Android device, causing the system to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices are commonly used for media streaming, wireless charging, or device pairing operations, as it could lead to unauthorized access to corporate networks or sensitive data. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability especially dangerous for IoT devices and automotive systems that rely on Bluetooth connectivity for various functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9542 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates, specifically targeting the Android 7.0 through 9.0 versions. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices to the latest security patches, which include proper bounds checking in the Bluetooth parsing functions to prevent the out-of-bounds read condition. Network administrators should also implement Bluetooth access controls and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not in use, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring Bluetooth communication patterns and implementing network segmentation can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should ensure their Android implementations include proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms, particularly in protocol parsing components that handle external data inputs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for comprehensive security testing of protocol implementations, particularly in mobile operating systems where Bluetooth connectivity is pervasive and essential for device functionality.