CVE-2019-9250 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 not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-120276962
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9250 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 that processes incoming data packets, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract sensitive information from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability exists within the core Bluetooth protocol handling mechanisms that govern how devices process and interpret wireless communication data, specifically affecting the Bluetooth subsystem's ability to properly validate incoming packet lengths and data structures before processing them.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which categorizes improper bounds checking as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows for unauthorized memory access patterns. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in modern wireless environments where Bluetooth connectivity is pervasive across mobile devices. The absence of user interaction requirements places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for remote code execution capabilities, though in this case the impact is limited to information disclosure rather than full system compromise. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth stack receives malformed or specially crafted data packets that exceed expected buffer limits, causing the system to read memory locations that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9250 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could potentially reveal sensitive data including device identifiers, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. This vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices that maintain Bluetooth connectivity, representing a significant risk to mobile device security given the widespread use of Bluetooth technology in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers could potentially compromise device security from distances exceeding typical Bluetooth range, especially when devices are in proximity to known Bluetooth access points or when utilizing advanced relay attack techniques that extend wireless communication boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include updated Bluetooth stack implementations with proper bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected Android 10 devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring systems to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive mobile device management policies that include regular security updates and vulnerability assessments, as well as implementing network segmentation strategies that limit the potential impact of Bluetooth-based attacks on broader network infrastructure. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to Bluetooth traffic anomalies and consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to identify and alert on suspicious Bluetooth protocol handling behaviors.