CVE-2019-9291 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Bluetooth, there is a possible remote code execution due to an improper memory allocation. This could lead to remote code execution in Bluetooth with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-112159179
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9291 represents a critical security flaw within the Android Bluetooth implementation that could enable remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction beyond initial exploitation. This vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 10 operating systems and was assigned the Android ID A-112159179. The core issue stems from improper memory allocation practices within the Bluetooth stack, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries could leverage to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Bluetooth implementation handles memory allocation during certain communication processes, particularly when processing incoming Bluetooth packets or managing connection states. This improper memory handling creates opportunities for memory corruption vulnerabilities that could be exploited through malicious Bluetooth communications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue indicates that attackers could potentially compromise devices without physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation typically involves social engineering or targeted attacks where users must initiate some form of Bluetooth connection or interaction with malicious devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android 10 devices as it could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected smartphones and tablets. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers could compromise devices from considerable distances without requiring physical access or specialized equipment beyond standard Bluetooth capabilities. This creates substantial security implications for enterprise environments, personal privacy, and overall mobile device security. The vulnerability's potential for abuse extends beyond simple code execution to include data theft, device monitoring, and further lateral movement within networked environments where Bluetooth-connected devices exist.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches and updates provided by Google, which address the underlying memory allocation issues in the Bluetooth stack. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth activity and establish policies restricting Bluetooth usage in sensitive environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and potentially CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) categories, while also mapping to ATT&CK techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation through remote code execution. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of connecting to unknown Bluetooth devices and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol stack.