CVE-2019-9387 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-117569833
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9387 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 operating systems. This security weakness stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth stack, specifically affecting the way the system processes incoming Bluetooth packets or data structures. The vulnerability resides in the core Bluetooth protocol handling code where insufficient input validation allows for memory access beyond allocated boundaries, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data extraction.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android Bluetooth subsystem, where the absence of proper bounds checking enables an attacker to manipulate Bluetooth data structures and potentially extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected. The flaw does not require any special privileges or user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely through Bluetooth network communications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android 10 devices as it allows for remote information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges or user engagement. Attackers can potentially exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted Bluetooth packets to a target device, triggering the out-of-bounds read condition that may expose confidential data stored in memory. The implications extend beyond simple data leakage, as the extracted information could potentially include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of Bluetooth communications on affected Android devices.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-9387 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.001 technique for command and control through Bluetooth protocols and T1005 for data from local system storage. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without user interaction places it in the category of persistent threats that can operate continuously in the background, potentially allowing attackers to gather intelligence over extended periods. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and Bluetooth access controls as part of their defensive strategies. The recommended mitigations include applying the latest Android security patches, disabling Bluetooth when not in use, and implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in system security, particularly within wireless communication protocols where attackers can leverage network-based attacks to compromise device integrity. The absence of proper bounds checking in the Bluetooth stack represents a fundamental security gap that could be exploited in various attack scenarios, including man-in-the-middle attacks, data exfiltration campaigns, or as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks targeting the broader Android ecosystem. The remote nature of the exploit makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices may be exposed to untrusted networks or malicious actors.