CVE-2022-40503 in 9206 LTE Modem
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2023
Information disclosure due to buffer over-read in Bluetooth Host while A2DP streaming.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40503 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Bluetooth Host implementations during A2DP streaming operations. This issue stems from a buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing audio data streams, specifically within the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile framework that governs wireless audio transmission between devices. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth Host component fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during audio packet processing, leading to unintended memory access patterns that can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth Host stack's audio processing routines. When A2DP streaming is active, the system receives and processes audio data packets that are transmitted over the Bluetooth connection. The buffer over-read occurs because the processing logic does not adequately verify that incoming data fits within allocated memory buffers, allowing attackers to manipulate packet structures to cause the system to read beyond intended buffer limits. This over-read behavior can potentially expose confidential information such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive data residing in adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40503 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. An attacker positioned within the Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device could potentially leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the device's memory, which might include authentication credentials, encryption keys, or proprietary data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Bluetooth devices handle sensitive communications or contain confidential information, as it could enable unauthorized data access without requiring physical proximity or complex attack infrastructure. The attack surface is broad given that A2DP streaming is commonly used in mobile devices, automotive systems, and IoT devices that maintain active Bluetooth connections.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve manipulating Bluetooth protocols to trigger memory access violations. The security implications extend to various attack scenarios including man-in-the-middle attacks, where an adversary could intercept and analyze audio streams to extract sensitive information, or more advanced exploitation techniques that might leverage the information disclosure to facilitate further attacks on the device or network. Organizations using Bluetooth-enabled devices should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a fundamental security flaw in the wireless communication stack that could compromise device integrity and data confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40503 should focus on implementing proper buffer boundary checking mechanisms within Bluetooth Host implementations, particularly in A2DP streaming contexts. System administrators should ensure that all Bluetooth devices receive timely security updates from vendors, as this vulnerability typically requires firmware or software patches that correct the buffer validation logic. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while device configuration management should enforce secure Bluetooth settings that minimize exposure windows. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all devices that may be susceptible to this issue, particularly those handling sensitive information or operating in high-security environments where unauthorized data access could have significant consequences.