CVE-2019-9327 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-112050583
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9327 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth protocol handling code, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the vulnerability without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. The flaw exists at the core of how Bluetooth packets are processed and validated, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low level within the system's network stack. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat means that attackers can potentially extract sensitive data from affected devices without needing physical access or user engagement.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses issues related to insufficient bounds checking in array indexing operations. This weakness allows for memory access violations that can result in information disclosure, as the system attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The Bluetooth stack in Android 10 is particularly susceptible because it processes incoming wireless packets without adequate validation of packet lengths or content boundaries. When malformed Bluetooth packets are received, the system fails to properly validate the data structure before attempting to access specific memory locations, leading to the out-of-bounds read condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android 10 devices as it enables remote exploitation through the wireless medium. Attackers can craft malicious Bluetooth packets that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable data structures. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile environments where devices are constantly exposed to wireless communication. This threat vector could be exploited in various scenarios including public Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth-enabled devices in proximity to target systems, or through compromised Bluetooth accessories. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it may reveal system memory contents, potentially exposing cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive data.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-9327 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and credential access phases. The remote nature of exploitation fits within the ATT&CK technique of "T1046 - Network Service Scanning" where attackers can probe for vulnerable Bluetooth implementations, and potentially "T1003 - OS Credential Dumping" if the information disclosure leads to credential exposure. The vulnerability's presence in the Bluetooth subsystem also intersects with "T1566 - Phishing" techniques when attackers use Bluetooth-based social engineering approaches to deliver malicious payloads. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat modeling efforts, particularly in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent and security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9327 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as Google has released fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent Android releases. System administrators should implement Bluetooth access controls and disable unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not required for operations. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device hardening measures including regular security audits, implementation of Bluetooth security policies, and deployment of network segmentation controls can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting and mandatory security scanning protocols to prevent unauthorized device connections that could leverage this vulnerability for information disclosure attacks.