CVE-2018-9591 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bta_hh_ctrl_dat_act of bta_hh_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 with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android ID: A-116108738.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-9591 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) 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 bta_hh_ctrl_dat_act function within the bta_hh_act.cc source file, which forms part of the Bluetooth audio and HID handling components in the Android operating system. The flaw manifests as a missing bounds check that allows malicious actors to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Bluetooth HID host processing logic. When handling HID control data packets, the system fails to verify that incoming data fits within allocated memory buffers before processing. This allows an attacker to craft specially crafted Bluetooth HID packets that trigger memory access violations, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the missing bounds checking mechanism. The flaw operates at the application layer of the Bluetooth stack, specifically affecting the HID host component that manages connections with Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and other input devices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device can exploit this flaw by establishing a malicious HID connection and sending crafted data packets that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The implications extend beyond simple data exposure, as the leaked information could potentially include sensitive memory contents such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as it enables remote data extraction through Bluetooth protocols.
The security implications of CVE-2018-9591 are particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of affected Android versions and the ubiquity of Bluetooth connectivity in mobile devices. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the Bluetooth HID processing pipeline that could be exploited by attackers in various scenarios including public spaces, corporate environments, or any location where Bluetooth-enabled devices are present. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the victim's knowledge or consent. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment for all affected Android versions, implementation of Bluetooth connection filtering mechanisms, and network monitoring to detect anomalous HID connection patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth HID services when not actively required and implement robust network segmentation to limit the potential attack surface.