CVE-2019-1996 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_pars_browse_rsp of avrc_pars_ct.cc, 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. Product: Android. Versions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9. Android ID: A-111451066.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1996 resides within the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) implementation of Android operating systems. This flaw exists in the avrc_pars_browse_rsp function located in the avrc_pars_ct.cc source file, representing a critical security weakness that affects Android versions 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check during the parsing of Bluetooth AVRCP browse response messages, creating a potential out-of-bounds read condition that could be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any special privileges or user interaction.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices are not properly validated before access. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious Bluetooth AVRCP browse response packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, trigger an out-of-bounds memory read. The implementation does not properly validate the length or boundaries of incoming data structures, enabling attackers to manipulate memory access patterns that extend beyond allocated buffer limits. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables remote code execution through Bluetooth communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote information disclosure capabilities over Bluetooth connections without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable Android device can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information from the device's memory, potentially including authentication credentials, personal data, or other confidential information. The vulnerability affects all Android versions from 8.0 through 9.0, representing a substantial attack surface across multiple generations of Android operating systems. This makes it particularly dangerous as it could affect a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled IoT devices running these vulnerable Android versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1996 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which typically address the missing bounds check in the AVRCP parsing logic. Organizations should implement Bluetooth security policies that restrict unnecessary Bluetooth functionality, particularly in enterprise environments where device security is paramount. Network administrators should consider disabling Bluetooth when not actively needed and ensure all devices are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in network protocol implementations and reinforces the need for robust memory safety practices in mobile operating system development. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and device hardening procedures should be implemented to reduce the attack surface of Bluetooth services.