CVE-2019-9237 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Bluetooth, 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 needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-121325979
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9237 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 operating systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth stack processing logic, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically affects the Android 10 platform and is catalogued under Android ID A-121325979, indicating its classification within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within CWE-129, which encompasses issues related to insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read operation that occurs when the Bluetooth subsystem processes incoming packets without proper validation of packet boundaries. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to craft specially formatted Bluetooth communication payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, can cause the system to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Bluetooth stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially expose sensitive system information through the memory read operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9237 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a remote attack vector that can be exploited without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction beyond the initial Bluetooth connection establishment. While the exploitation process requires user interaction to initiate the Bluetooth connection, once established, the attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the device's memory. This could include device identifiers, network configuration details, or other system information that could be valuable for subsequent attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the Initial Access phase, specifically through the use of Bluetooth protocols as a vector for information gathering.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Bluetooth protocol implementation details and memory management concepts within Android's security architecture. The flaw represents a fundamental security oversight in the Bluetooth subsystem's packet processing logic, where proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms were either omitted or insufficiently implemented. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can potentially exploit it from considerable distances, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth stack, updating to patched versions of Android 10, and potentially implementing Bluetooth connection filtering mechanisms to limit exposure to untrusted devices. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of thorough security testing and code review processes, particularly for core system components like Bluetooth stacks that handle network communications and have extensive attack surface potential.