CVE-2019-9353 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 needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-123024201
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9353 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 systems. This issue stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth protocol stack, specifically affecting how the system processes incoming Bluetooth packets. The flaw exists at the kernel level where Bluetooth communication handlers fail to validate the length of incoming data structures before attempting to access memory regions. This missing validation creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious Bluetooth packets that, when processed by the vulnerable system, trigger memory access violations leading to information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level where Bluetooth communication occurs, making it accessible through standard Bluetooth connectivity without requiring any elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that a remote attacker must first establish a Bluetooth connection to the target device and then send specifically crafted packets to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. This interaction requirement provides some defense in depth but does not eliminate the threat entirely, as Bluetooth connections can be established through various means including pairing requests, advertising packets, or even through already paired devices. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth stack attempts to parse incoming packets that exceed expected data structures, causing the system to read memory beyond allocated boundaries. This memory access violation can potentially expose sensitive information from adjacent memory regions including kernel memory, system credentials, or other confidential data that might be stored in contiguous memory locations. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which describes network service scanning and exploitation of communication protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9353 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially extract kernel memory contents, which might include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The fact that no additional execution privileges are required makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers without needing to first compromise other system components. The Android ID A-123024201 indicates that this issue was recognized and tracked by Google's security team, emphasizing its severity and the need for immediate remediation. Organizations and users running Android 10 systems should be particularly vigilant about this vulnerability as it affects the core Bluetooth functionality that many devices rely on for wireless connectivity and device pairing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9353 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. The most effective solution involves applying the security patches released by Google for Android 10, which include proper bounds checking mechanisms and validation of Bluetooth packet structures. System administrators should also implement Bluetooth connectivity controls, such as disabling Bluetooth when not in use, limiting pairing to trusted devices only, and monitoring for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns. Network segmentation and Bluetooth radio isolation can provide additional defense layers, particularly in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity might be less critical for business operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in wireless communication protocols and serves as a reminder that even fundamental system components like Bluetooth stacks require rigorous security testing and validation to prevent such memory safety issues from being exploited in the wild.