CVE-2019-9330 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-111214739
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9330 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 10 operating on devices with Android ID A-111214739. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth protocol implementation that processes incoming data packets. The flaw exists at the kernel level where Bluetooth communication handlers fail to properly validate the length of incoming data structures before accessing memory locations. Such missing validation creates a predictable memory access pattern that adversaries can exploit to read data from adjacent memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when Bluetooth devices receive malformed or specially crafted packets that trigger the out-of-bounds memory access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through Bluetooth protocols. The flaw allows for remote information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited over the air without physical access to the device. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can craft malicious packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The memory corruption occurs during Bluetooth service discovery or connection establishment phases where the system parses service records or connection parameters. This type of vulnerability can potentially expose sensitive information including kernel memory contents, session keys, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9330 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the immediate effect is remote information disclosure, the out-of-bounds read could serve as a stepping stone for further exploitation. Attackers might leverage the leaked memory information to perform targeted attacks against other system components or to bypass security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices that implement Bluetooth functionality, creating a widespread risk across various device types including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. The lack of user interaction requirement means that devices in public spaces or those continuously broadcasting Bluetooth signals are at risk, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments and personal devices that maintain constant Bluetooth connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Android security updates released in 2019 addressed this issue through kernel-level fixes that implement proper bounds checking in Bluetooth packet processing routines. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches to all affected Android 10 devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and limiting the exposure of Bluetooth services in sensitive environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in network protocol implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor missing checks can create significant security risks. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing Bluetooth traffic monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of network protocols and the importance of adhering to secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows and out-of-bounds memory access conditions.