CVE-2018-9380
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2018-9380 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Android's Bluetooth L2CAP protocol implementation that could allow remote code execution. Attackers could potentially gain elevated privileges on affected devices by sending specially crafted Bluetooth packets. This affects Android devices running vulnerable versions, particularly Pixel and Nexus devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
- Google Pixel
- Google Nexus
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attacker gains full system control over affected Android device via Bluetooth, potentially installing malware, stealing data, or bricking the device.
Likely Case
Local attacker within Bluetooth range executes arbitrary code with elevated privileges, compromising device security and user data.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to Bluetooth being disabled, device not being discoverable, or patch being applied.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction (Bluetooth pairing/connection) and proximity. No public exploit code available as of knowledge cutoff.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level 2018-06-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/pixel/2018-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System > System update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Install Android security patch level 2018-06-05 or later. 4. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
AndroidTurn off Bluetooth when not in use to prevent exploitation.
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Toggle off
Disable Device Discoverability
AndroidMake device non-discoverable to Bluetooth scans.
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Device name > Turn off 'Make device discoverable'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely when not in use
- Avoid pairing with unknown Bluetooth devices
- Use device in areas with controlled Bluetooth access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If date is before 2018-06-05, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level is 2018-06-05 or later in Settings > About phone.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Bluetooth stack crashes in logcat
- Unexpected Bluetooth connection attempts from unknown devices
- Suspicious L2CAP protocol errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth packet patterns
- Multiple failed Bluetooth pairing attempts
- Malformed L2CAP packets in Bluetooth traffic
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND "bluetooth" AND ("crash" OR "error" OR "l2c_lcc_proc_pdu")