CVE-2019-9367 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-112106425
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9367 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 10 operating systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth protocol implementation that allows malicious actors to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the Bluetooth stack implementation where insufficient validation occurs during packet processing, creating a scenario where arbitrary memory access can be achieved through crafted Bluetooth packets. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the Bluetooth subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it operates with elevated privileges while requiring no user interaction or additional execution privileges for successful exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically addressing insufficient bounds checking in memory operations, which is a well-documented pattern in software security vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, as the vulnerability allows for information disclosure without requiring user interaction or additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9367 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack surface for remote exploitation of Bluetooth-enabled devices. Attackers can craft malicious Bluetooth packets that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially exposing sensitive data such as kernel memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries can target devices without physical access or user interaction, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices that maintain continuous Bluetooth connectivity. The Android ID A-112106425 indicates this vulnerability was tracked within Google's internal security tracking system, highlighting its severity and the need for immediate patching. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the attack surface, as devices can be compromised simply by being within range of malicious Bluetooth signals, potentially enabling attackers to gather intelligence about device configurations, memory layouts, or other system information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9367 primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include fixes to the Bluetooth subsystem's bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the Android 10 security updates that address this specific vulnerability, as the patch typically involves implementing proper bounds validation in the Bluetooth packet processing routines. System administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth radio disablement policies for devices that do not require wireless connectivity, as this reduces the attack surface. Network monitoring solutions can be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat means that organizations should also review their Bluetooth security policies and ensure that Bluetooth functionality is disabled when not actively needed. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to Bluetooth-based attacks and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol stack.