CVE-2019-9368 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 local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-79883568
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9368 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android Bluetooth implementation that affects Android 10 systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth stack processing logic, creating a potential information disclosure risk that can be exploited without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the Bluetooth subsystem where insufficient input validation allows for memory access beyond allocated boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions.
This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The flaw exists in the Bluetooth protocol handling code where incoming packets or data structures are processed without adequate boundary verification, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. The missing bounds check creates a scenario where a malformed Bluetooth packet or data transmission could trigger an out-of-bounds memory read operation, potentially revealing confidential information such as kernel memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive system data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local information disclosure attacks that can be executed automatically without user interaction or elevated privileges. Attackers can potentially exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted Bluetooth packets to a target device, causing the system to read memory locations that should not be accessible through normal operation. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could contain sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation or attack refinement. This vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and represents a fundamental security weakness in the Bluetooth implementation that could compromise device integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9368 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms throughout the Bluetooth stack processing code. Android security patches released in the May 2019 security update address this vulnerability by adding proper input validation and memory boundary checks to prevent out-of-bounds read operations. Organizations should ensure immediate deployment of these security updates and consider implementing network segmentation controls to limit Bluetooth exposure where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation in wireless communication protocols and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks. System administrators should also monitor for any unusual Bluetooth activity or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security configurations and regularly reviewing Bluetooth-related system logs for potential indicators of compromise.