CVE-2018-9590 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In add_attr of sdp_discovery.c 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 with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-115900043.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9590 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth SDP (Service Discovery Protocol) discovery component of multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. This issue exists in the add_attr function within the sdp_discovery.c file, which handles Bluetooth service discovery operations. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check that allows maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets to trigger memory access violations when processing service discovery responses from remote devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the Bluetooth stack without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it highly exploitable in remote scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Bluetooth SDP discovery process where the add_attr function processes attribute data structures received from remote Bluetooth devices. When parsing these attributes, the code fails to validate array bounds before accessing memory locations, allowing an attacker to craft specially formatted SDP responses that cause the system to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive memory contents including kernel data structures, credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability maps to CWE-129 Input Validation and Canonical Representation and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter with potential for information gathering and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with access to sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Remote attackers can trigger this vulnerability by establishing Bluetooth connections with targeted devices and sending malicious SDP packets, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is enabled and devices are constantly discovering nearby services. The lack of user interaction requirements means that devices can be compromised simply by being in proximity to malicious Bluetooth devices, potentially affecting mobile devices, IoT systems, and other Bluetooth-enabled hardware. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security and personal privacy, as it allows for passive reconnaissance and data extraction without any user awareness or intervention.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9590 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to versions containing the patched Bluetooth stack implementation, which typically includes bounds checking mechanisms and proper validation of SDP attribute data. Network administrators should implement Bluetooth security policies that disable unnecessary Bluetooth services, particularly in enterprise environments where devices may be exposed to untrusted Bluetooth networks. Additional protective measures include deploying Bluetooth monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious SDP packet patterns, implementing device profiling to identify anomalous Bluetooth behavior, and establishing secure Bluetooth pairing protocols that limit service discovery to trusted devices only. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in network protocol implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required in mobile operating system components that handle wireless communication protocols.