CVE-2019-6498 in GattLib
Summary
by MITRE
GattLib 0.2 has a stack-based buffer over-read in gattlib_connect in dbus/gattlib.c because strncpy is misused.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6498 affects GattLib version 0.2, a library designed for Bluetooth Low Energy communication on Linux systems. This issue manifests as a stack-based buffer over-read within the gattlib_connect function located in the dbus/gattlib.c source file. The flaw occurs due to improper usage of the strncpy function, which creates a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical root cause stems from how strncpy handles string copying operations when the source string length exceeds the specified buffer size. In this case, the developers incorrectly assumed that strncpy would null-terminate the destination buffer when the source string was longer than the specified limit, leading to memory corruption. This misapplication creates a scenario where the program reads beyond the allocated stack memory boundaries, potentially accessing uninitialized data or corrupting adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Bluetooth connection establishment process where device addresses or service identifiers are processed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices are frequently connected and disconnected.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems utilizing GattLib for Bluetooth communication, particularly in embedded devices, IoT deployments, and mobile applications that rely on Bluetooth Low Energy protocols. Attackers could exploit this over-read condition to gain unauthorized access to system memory, potentially extracting sensitive information or manipulating program execution flow. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the memory corruption could lead to privilege escalation or complete system compromise depending on the execution context. This vulnerability affects not only individual applications but also the broader Bluetooth ecosystem that depends on reliable library implementations.
The weakness aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 where adversaries may use code injection techniques to execute malicious code. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of GattLib, applying source code modifications to correct the strncpy usage, and implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors through Bluetooth interfaces, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where the vulnerability could be leveraged for lateral movement or data exfiltration.