CVE-2019-9289 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 local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-79883824
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9289 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android Bluetooth implementation that exposes a fundamental security weakness in the operating system's handling of wireless communication protocols. This issue resides in the Bluetooth subsystem where insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms fail to properly verify array access boundaries during data processing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 and is tracked under Android ID A-79883824, indicating its classification within the Android security framework's vulnerability tracking system. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth service processes incoming data packets or configuration parameters without adequate validation of buffer limits, creating a potential avenue for unauthorized data extraction from memory regions beyond intended boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the missing bounds checking mechanism that should prevent access to memory locations outside the allocated buffer space. This type of flaw typically occurs when developers fail to validate input parameters before using them as array indices or when processing data structures that require strict boundary enforcement. In the context of Bluetooth communication, this could occur during the parsing of advertisement packets, connection parameter negotiations, or other wireless protocol data structures where array-based data processing is employed. The vulnerability's classification as an out-of-bounds read means that malicious actors can potentially access sensitive memory contents, including potentially confidential data, system variables, or even cryptographic keys that may be stored in adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9289 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant threat to Android device security and user privacy. While exploitation does not require user interaction or additional execution privileges, the local information disclosure capability allows attackers to extract potentially sensitive data from the device's memory space without physical access or complex attack vectors. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is actively used for device pairing, file transfer, or connection management, as it could enable attackers to extract connection metadata, previously processed data, or other confidential information that might be stored in memory buffers. The fact that no user interaction is required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it could be triggered automatically when Bluetooth services are active or when devices are in proximity to potential attackers.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques, particularly those related to credential access and information gathering through memory scraping and local data extraction methods. Attackers could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from Bluetooth service memory, potentially including connection history, device identifiers, or other metadata that could be used for further exploitation or targeting. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in system-level services, as Bluetooth functionality operates at a low level within the Android operating system and interfaces directly with hardware components. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within Bluetooth service implementations, regular security audits of system-level protocols, and ensuring that all data processing operations include proper validation of array indices and buffer limits. Additionally, Android security updates and patch management procedures should prioritize such vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation in real-world scenarios where Bluetooth services are actively utilized by users.