CVE-2019-9260 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Bluetooth, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect 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-113495295
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9260 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 systems. This issue stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism that fails to properly validate array indices or memory access boundaries during Bluetooth protocol processing. The vulnerability resides in the core Bluetooth stack where incoming packets or connection parameters are parsed and handled, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory access violations. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes certain Bluetooth frames or connection requests, particularly those involving service discovery or attribute protocol operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index bounds, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.3.001 for remote code execution through protocol manipulation. The out-of-bounds read occurs without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond standard Bluetooth connectivity, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through unauthenticated network access. Attackers can craft malicious Bluetooth packets that trigger the flawed bounds checking logic, causing the system to read memory locations beyond the intended array boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially expose sensitive information from adjacent memory regions, including cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in the system's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9260 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain insights into the device's internal state and memory layout. This information can subsequently be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks or to bypass security mechanisms that rely on memory isolation. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and represents a significant risk to privacy and security, particularly in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is frequently utilized. The lack of user interaction requirements means that devices can be compromised simply by being within range of an attacker's malicious Bluetooth signal, making it a particularly concerning threat vector for mobile devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of the Android 10 security patches released by Google, which address the bounds checking logic in the Bluetooth stack. Organizations should also implement Bluetooth device management policies that limit unnecessary Bluetooth exposure and consider disabling Bluetooth when not actively in use. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious Bluetooth activity and implement device profiling to detect anomalous connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on Bluetooth protocol implementations and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in security-critical systems, particularly in wireless communication protocols where untrusted data is frequently processed.