CVE-2019-9332 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-78286500
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9332 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 stack processing logic, specifically affecting how the system handles incoming Bluetooth packets and data structures. The vulnerability exists at the kernel level within the Bluetooth subsystem where insufficient validation occurs during packet parsing operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to insufficient bounds checking in array access operations, making it a classic example of memory safety violations in systems programming.
The exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to achieve information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction to initiate the attack. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged through network-based attacks without the need for physical access or user engagement. The Bluetooth protocol's inherent nature as a wireless communication medium provides multiple attack vectors, including wireless network-based exploitation that can occur without user awareness or consent. The absence of user interaction requirements places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique category for remote code execution capabilities, though in this case it manifests as information disclosure rather than direct execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data leakage as it can potentially expose sensitive system information, memory contents, or configuration details that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9332 extends across all Android 10 devices that implement Bluetooth functionality, affecting a broad spectrum of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled IoT devices. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise devices from anywhere within Bluetooth range, creating widespread security implications for organizations and individuals. Security researchers have noted that this type of out-of-bounds read vulnerability can lead to information leakage that might reveal kernel memory addresses, system configurations, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even basic Bluetooth connectivity can serve as an attack surface for sophisticated adversaries seeking to gather intelligence or establish persistent access to target devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat aligns with industry standards for assessing the severity of mobile security flaws, particularly those affecting core system components like Bluetooth stacks that maintain continuous network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9332 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches and updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. Android 10 users should ensure their devices receive the latest security updates that address this specific bounds checking issue in the Bluetooth implementation. System administrators and security teams should prioritize patching affected devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity may be exposed to external threats. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing additional network monitoring and Bluetooth traffic analysis could help detect potential exploitation attempts, though this approach provides only defensive measures rather than complete protection. Device manufacturers should consider implementing enhanced bounds checking mechanisms in their Bluetooth stack implementations and conducting thorough security reviews of wireless communication protocols. The security community has recommended that organizations maintain strict inventory control of Bluetooth-enabled devices and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include Bluetooth protocol analysis to identify similar bounds checking issues in other wireless communication stacks. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically deploy security patches and monitor for exploitation attempts against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-9332.