CVE-2018-9583 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bta_ag_parse_cmer of bta_ag_cmd.cc in Android-7.0, Android-7.1.1, Android-7.1.2, Android-8.0, Android-8.1 and Android-9, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution in the bluetooth server with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-112860487.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9583 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Bluetooth Audio Gateway (AG) component of multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. This issue resides in the bta_ag_parse_cmer function located in the bta_ag_cmd.cc source file, where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption during Bluetooth command processing. The flaw specifically affects the Bluetooth server component that handles incoming audio gateway commands, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability given the widespread use of Bluetooth functionality across Android devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation when parsing Bluetooth commands, particularly those related to call management and audio gateway operations. When a malicious Bluetooth device or application sends specially crafted commands to an affected Android device, the bta_ag_parse_cmer function fails to verify that incoming data fits within allocated memory boundaries. This missing bounds check creates an opportunity for attackers to write data beyond the intended memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations with controlled values. The vulnerability operates at the Bluetooth protocol stack level, specifically within the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) implementation that governs how Android devices handle Bluetooth audio connections.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9583 is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected Android devices. The vulnerability enables remote code execution without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of an affected device can trigger the vulnerability simply by establishing a Bluetooth connection and sending maliciously crafted commands. This remote exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The potential consequences include complete device compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and unauthorized access to sensitive personal information stored on the device. The vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth server process, which typically runs with elevated privileges, amplifying the potential damage from successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9583 primarily focus on applying timely security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations and individuals should immediately update their Android devices to the latest security patches, particularly those released in the Android Security Bulletins covering the affected versions. Device administrators should implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth exposure in enterprise environments and disable Bluetooth functionality when not actively needed. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Bluetooth connection patterns and command sequences that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in system-level code, aligning with CWE-129 which addresses insufficient bounds checking. Additionally, implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting and disabling automatic Bluetooth pairing can reduce the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of Bluetooth implementations and network monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth activity should form part of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to address such remote code execution vulnerabilities.