CVE-2019-9342 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-111214470
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9342 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 operating 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 before accessing memory regions, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to read data from memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms in the code. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely, making it a significant threat to Android device security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious Bluetooth device or application sends specially crafted packets to a vulnerable Android 10 device. The Bluetooth stack processes these packets without adequate bounds validation, leading to memory access violations that can result in information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from the device's memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable data structures. The absence of user interaction requirements means that devices can be compromised simply by being in proximity to an attacker's malicious Bluetooth device, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in public or shared environments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which describes the use of network services to establish initial access points for further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9342 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could potentially reveal system architecture details, application memory layouts, or even sensitive cryptographic material that could be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and represents a fundamental flaw in the Bluetooth protocol implementation that could enable attackers to gain insights into the device's internal state and configuration. Organizations and users should be particularly concerned about the remote exploitation capability, as it eliminates the need for physical access or social engineering attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation mechanisms in system-level components, particularly those handling network communications and wireless protocols. This flaw represents a significant security gap that could allow adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities and gather intelligence about target devices without requiring any special privileges or user engagement. The Android ID A-111214470 indicates this vulnerability was properly tracked and documented by Google's security team, emphasizing the need for timely patching and system updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches and updates released by Google. System administrators should ensure that all Android 10 devices are updated to the latest security patch level, as these updates contain the necessary fixes to address the missing bounds check in the Bluetooth implementation. Organizations should implement a comprehensive patch management policy that prioritizes the deployment of security updates for wireless communication components. Additionally, network administrators can consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services when not in use. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in system-level code, particularly for components handling external communications. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar potential vulnerabilities in other system components and wireless protocols to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.