CVE-2019-2032 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In SetScanResponseData of ble_advertiser_hci_interface.cc, there is a possible out-of-bound write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege 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-121145627.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-2032 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Bluetooth Low Energy advertising functionality of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the ble_advertiser_hci_interface.cc source file where the SetScanResponseData function fails to perform adequate bounds checking on input data. The vulnerability affects Android versions 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread impact across multiple generations of the Android platform. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it highly exploitable in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be classified as a buffer overflow condition under CWE-129, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write operation. When the SetScanResponseData function processes incoming scan response data, it does not validate the length or boundaries of the input buffer before writing data to memory locations. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including critical system structures or executable code. The vulnerability operates at the HCI (Host Controller Interface) level within the Bluetooth stack, which means it can be triggered through Bluetooth advertising operations that are frequently used in legitimate device communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw to elevate their privileges from a standard application context to system-level access, effectively bypassing Android's security model. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be triggered automatically during normal Bluetooth operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is continuously active. The Android ID A-121145627 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed by Google's security team, but the vulnerability remained present in the affected versions for extended periods.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through software exploitation. The flaw represents a classic example of how Bluetooth stack components can serve as attack vectors for system compromise, particularly in mobile environments where Bluetooth is ubiquitous. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability suitable for automated exploitation campaigns, while the local privilege escalation aspect means that attackers can gain full system control without requiring network access or complex attack chains. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android versions to prevent potential exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain complete control over affected devices. The issue demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of Bluetooth stack implementations in mobile operating systems.