CVE-2018-9563 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In llcp_util_parse_cc 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-114237888
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9563 resides within the Bluetooth Low Energy communication stack of Android operating systems, specifically in the llcp_util_parse_cc function located in the llcp_util.cc source file. This issue represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array boundaries before accessing memory locations. The flaw manifests in the Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (LLCP) utility functions that handle communication protocol control commands, which are fundamental components of Bluetooth mesh networking and device-to-device communication. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9, indicating it was present across a significant portion of the Android ecosystem and represents a persistent security weakness in the Bluetooth implementation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the parsing routine that processes LLCP control commands. When the llcp_util_parse_cc function processes incoming Bluetooth protocol data, it attempts to read from a buffer without first verifying that the read operation remains within the bounds of the allocated memory space. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where an attacker could craft malicious Bluetooth packets containing specially formatted control commands that trigger the out-of-bounds memory access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and represents a variant of the more general CWE-125 "Out-of-Bounds Read" category. The flaw specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" in its exploitation context, though more accurately it falls under T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when considering the potential for information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant despite requiring user interaction for exploitation, as it enables local information disclosure attacks that could potentially expose sensitive system data. An attacker positioned within the Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device could craft malicious packets that, when processed by the affected Android system, result in memory contents being read beyond their intended boundaries. This information disclosure could potentially reveal kernel memory addresses, stack contents, or other sensitive data that might aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that the attack vector requires physical proximity or access to the device, but does not require additional privileges beyond what is already available to a user. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Android versions indicates it was likely introduced early in the Android 7.0 release cycle and persisted through subsequent major versions, making it a widespread concern for Android device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9563 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Android device manufacturers and users should prioritize installing the security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates, which would include fixes to the Bluetooth LLCP parsing routines. The patch implementation addresses the missing bounds check by introducing proper validation of buffer access before any memory reads occur. Organizations should also implement Bluetooth security policies that limit exposure to potentially malicious devices, particularly in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity is frequently used. Network administrators should consider disabling Bluetooth when not actively needed, and users should be educated about the risks of accepting unknown Bluetooth connections. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation in all network protocol implementations, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on preventing such memory corruption vulnerabilities through proper bounds checking and defensive programming practices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly low-privilege attacks can result in significant information disclosure when proper security controls are not implemented in system-level protocols.