CVE-2018-9588 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avdt_scb_hdl_report of avdt_scb_act.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 read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure over Bluetooth with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-111450156.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9588 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. This issue resides in the avdt_scb_hdl_report function within the avdt_scb_act.cc source file, which is part of the Bluetooth AVDTP (Audio Video Distribution Transport Protocol) implementation. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check that allows an attacker to manipulate Bluetooth packet structures in a way that could trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of audio video distribution transport protocol control block reports, which are essential components in Bluetooth audio streaming operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which categorizes issues related to insufficient bounds checking, making it a classic example of memory safety problems in network protocol implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote information disclosure over Bluetooth connections without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious Bluetooth packets that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability's remote exploitability is particularly concerning because Bluetooth is a pervasive wireless technology used across numerous devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices. The lack of user interaction requirements means that devices could be compromised simply by being in proximity to an attacker, making this a stealthy and potentially widespread threat. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which describes data compression and encryption techniques used for data exfiltration, though in this case the exploitation occurs through memory corruption rather than traditional encryption methods.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates how Bluetooth protocol implementations can suffer from memory safety issues that are particularly dangerous in wireless environments. When the avdt_scb_hdl_report function processes malformed Bluetooth control block reports, it fails to validate the length or bounds of incoming data structures before accessing memory locations. This allows an attacker to potentially read sensitive memory contents that could include authentication credentials, session keys, or other confidential information. The flaw is particularly dangerous because Bluetooth connections often maintain persistent sessions and store sensitive data in memory, creating opportunities for information leakage. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple Android versions, meaning a wide range of devices could be compromised simultaneously. This type of flaw represents a fundamental security weakness in the Android Bluetooth stack implementation and highlights the challenges of securing complex wireless protocol stacks where memory management and input validation must be meticulously handled across various Bluetooth profiles and protocols. The vulnerability requires no special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to conduct passive reconnaissance or data exfiltration campaigns.