CVE-2018-9544 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In register_app of btif_hd.cc, there is a possible out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure in the Bluetooth service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-9. Android ID: A-113037220
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9544 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth service component of Android systems. This issue resides in the register_app function of the btif_hd.cc file, which serves as a crucial interface for Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) functionality. The flaw stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate input parameters before processing them. When an application attempts to register with the Bluetooth HID service, the system fails to verify that the provided data structures remain within expected memory boundaries, creating a potential avenue for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software systems. This weakness allows attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data that resides in adjacent memory regions. The Bluetooth service operates with elevated privileges within the Android framework, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it provides access to system-level information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The flaw exists in Android 9.0, where the Bluetooth subsystem's input validation mechanisms are inadequate to prevent malicious data from causing unintended memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gather sensitive system information that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation and user interaction is not necessary, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to Android devices. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker only needs to have access to the device's local environment to potentially exploit this flaw, which could occur through malicious applications or compromised system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system-level services, as the Bluetooth HID service handles registration requests from various applications and must maintain strict memory boundaries to prevent unauthorized data access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9544 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth service components. Android security patches typically address such issues by adding proper validation checks before memory access operations, ensuring that all input parameters remain within expected ranges. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant security updates to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1068 technique for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to system information. Additionally, implementing proper memory safety mechanisms and conducting regular security audits of system services can help prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive attacks targeting the Android device's Bluetooth subsystem.