CVE-2018-9562 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bta_ag_do_disc of bta_ag_sdp.cc, there is a possible out-of-bound read due to an incorrect parameter size. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-9. Android ID: A-113164621.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9562 resides within the Bluetooth audio gateway component of Android systems, specifically in the bta_ag_do_disc function located in the bta_ag_sdp.cc source file. This represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from an incorrect parameter size calculation during Bluetooth service discovery operations. The flaw manifests when the system processes incoming Bluetooth audio gateway service records, where improper bounds checking allows memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Bluetooth Audio Gateway profile handling mechanism that manages connections between Bluetooth audio devices and Android smartphones. When the system attempts to parse service discovery protocol records from remote Bluetooth devices, the bta_ag_do_disc function fails to properly validate the size parameter of incoming data structures. This inadequate validation creates a scenario where malicious Bluetooth devices can craft specially formatted service records that trigger memory read operations beyond the intended buffer limits. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Read, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in software input handling and memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any privileged execution rights or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this weakness by pairing with a malicious Bluetooth device that sends crafted service discovery records designed to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability affects Android 9.0 systems and represents a significant risk to user privacy and system security, as it allows unauthorized access to memory contents that may contain sensitive information such as system pointers, configuration data, or potentially other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. This remote exploitation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically upon Bluetooth device discovery without user involvement.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote attackers to gather information about the target system through Bluetooth service discovery operations. The lack of user interaction requirements and the ability to exploit this through standard Bluetooth pairing procedures means that any Android 9.0 device within range of a malicious Bluetooth device could be compromised. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android systems and implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting policies to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network protocol implementations, particularly in mobile operating systems where Bluetooth connectivity is pervasive and often used in sensitive environments.