CVE-2019-9328 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 privileges required. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-111895000
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9328 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 mechanisms, specifically affecting how the system processes incoming Bluetooth packets and data structures. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the Bluetooth subsystem where insufficient validation occurs when processing malformed or unexpected Bluetooth frames, creating a pathway for arbitrary memory access patterns that extend beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic buffer over-read condition that falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of the length of a buffer. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth stack receives specially crafted packets that cause the system to attempt reading memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The absence of proper bounds validation means that an attacker can manipulate the Bluetooth protocol parser to access memory regions that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, session tokens, and other confidential data structures that are critical to system security.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9328 is particularly concerning due to its remote exploitability and lack of privilege requirements. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which describes network service scanning and exploitation of remote services. The attack vector requires no user interaction, making it highly dangerous as it can be exploited through passive Bluetooth scanning or active connection attempts without requiring physical access or user engagement. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can leverage this vulnerability to perform remote information disclosure attacks, potentially extracting sensitive information from the target device's memory and using this data to further compromise the system or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced exploitation techniques. The leaked memory contents may include credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive data that could be used to escalate privileges or bypass security mechanisms. The lack of required privileges makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for attackers who may not have direct access to the target device but can still exploit it through Bluetooth-based attacks. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in kernel-level code, as similar flaws in other Bluetooth implementations could create similar security risks across various platforms and devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9328 should include immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, particularly for devices running Android 10 where this vulnerability was present. Organizations should implement Bluetooth access controls and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not in use, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth monitoring solutions to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should ensure proper bounds checking and input validation in all Bluetooth protocol implementations, following secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future releases. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel-level components and the importance of adhering to established security frameworks and standards for wireless communication protocols.