CVE-2018-9561 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In llcp_util_parse_connect of llcp_util.cc, there is a possible out-of-bound read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-111660010
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9561 resides within the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) implementation of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 7.0 through 9.0. This issue manifests in the llcp_util_parse_connect function located in the llcp_util.cc source file, which handles the parsing of connection-related data within the Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol layer. The flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate the boundaries of incoming data before processing it, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited to extract sensitive information from the device's memory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Bluetooth protocol stack where the llcp_util_parse_connect function does not properly verify the length or bounds of data structures before attempting to read from them. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to craft malicious Bluetooth packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, could cause the system to read memory locations beyond the intended data buffer. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index" and represents a memory safety issue that can lead to information disclosure without requiring any special privileges or execution rights. The attack vector requires user interaction to initiate the exploitation process, typically through the acceptance of a malicious Bluetooth connection or the processing of crafted BLE advertisements that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9561 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially allow attackers to extract sensitive data from the device's memory, including cryptographic keys, session information, or other confidential data that may be stored in memory regions accessible through the out-of-bounds read. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, as the exploitation process may involve crafting specific Bluetooth payloads that trigger the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the Bluetooth protocol implementation and could potentially be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain, particularly in scenarios where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent and where attackers might seek to gather information for further exploitation. The affected Android versions span multiple major releases, indicating that this vulnerability has persisted across several generations of the operating system and required multiple security updates to address the underlying memory safety issue.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2018-9561 involves applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular Android security updates, which typically include bounds checking mechanisms and input validation improvements to prevent the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations and users should ensure their Android devices are updated to the latest security patch levels, particularly those containing fixes for Bluetooth protocol stack vulnerabilities. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for any suspicious Bluetooth activity and consider implementing Bluetooth access controls or disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required for operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in security-critical code and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of protocol implementations to prevent similar issues in the future, particularly within the context of wireless communication protocols where malformed data could be introduced by adversaries.