CVE-2019-9473 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: Android Versions: Android-10 Android ID: A-115363533
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9473 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 10 systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth protocol handling mechanisms, specifically within the Bluetooth stack components responsible for processing incoming data packets. The vulnerability exists at the kernel level where Bluetooth protocol parsing routines fail to properly validate buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious Bluetooth packets that, when processed by an affected Android device, trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. The absence of proper bounds checking creates a predictable memory access violation that can be exploited to extract sensitive information from the device's memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote Bluetooth communication channels without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond standard Bluetooth connectivity. Attackers can leverage this flaw by transmitting specially crafted Bluetooth packets to an unpatched Android 10 device within range, triggering the out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk as it enables information disclosure attacks that can potentially expose sensitive data including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system memory contents. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Bluetooth technology in mobile devices and the minimal attack requirements needed for successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9473 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could potentially reveal system configuration details, authentication tokens, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter execution, as the initial compromise could lead to additional attack vectors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need physical access to devices or user interaction to cause harm, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is common. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as the information disclosure could provide attackers with insights into system architecture and security configurations. The vulnerability affects Android 10 devices specifically, making it crucial for device manufacturers and users to implement timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9473 primarily involve applying the latest Android security patches and updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. System administrators should ensure that all Android 10 devices are updated to the latest security build, as these patches typically include bounds checking mechanisms and memory validation routines. Additionally, organizations can implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of system components. Device users should be advised to avoid connecting to untrusted Bluetooth devices and to keep their systems updated. Security teams should monitor for reports of exploitation attempts and consider implementing Bluetooth access controls in enterprise environments where the risk is elevated. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of continuous security auditing of system components, particularly those handling network protocol parsing and memory management operations.