CVE-2019-9333 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-109753657
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9333 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, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability exists within the core Bluetooth stack where incoming packets are processed without adequate validation of data boundaries, allowing attackers to craft malicious Bluetooth packets that can trigger memory access violations. Such flaws typically arise from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during packet parsing operations, which is particularly dangerous in wireless communication protocols where adversaries can inject arbitrary data from remote locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through Bluetooth packet manipulation where an attacker can construct specially crafted packets that exceed expected data boundaries when processed by the Android Bluetooth stack. When the system attempts to read data beyond allocated memory regions, it can expose sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, potentially including cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in memory. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to information disclosure. The attack vector requires no user interaction and can be executed remotely, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices that maintain continuous Bluetooth connectivity.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9333 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposure of memory contents can potentially reveal sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further attacks. Mobile devices running Android 10 are particularly vulnerable since they maintain persistent Bluetooth connections for various services including wireless headphones, smartwatches, and vehicle connectivity systems. The lack of user interaction requirements means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability passively while devices remain in Bluetooth range, creating a persistent threat surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the information disclosure could provide attackers with data needed to plan more sophisticated attacks against the device or its connected networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which typically involve implementing proper bounds checking in the Bluetooth packet processing code. System administrators should ensure that all Android 10 devices receive the latest security patches that address the missing validation checks in the Bluetooth stack. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services when not actively in use. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper input validation routines that check packet lengths against expected values before processing, preventing the out-of-bounds memory access that leads to information disclosure. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices that may not have received the critical security update, as the vulnerability remains exploitable until proper patching is completed.