CVE-2018-9475
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via Bluetooth on Android devices with SIP calling enabled. It affects Android devices running vulnerable versions, requiring no user interaction for exploitation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Device crash or limited code execution due to exploit complexity, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
No impact if Bluetooth is disabled or device is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires Bluetooth proximity and SIP calling enabled. No authentication needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2018-09-01 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2018-09-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System > System update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Install Android Security Patch Level 2018-09-01 or later. 4. Restart device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
androidTurn off Bluetooth to prevent exploitation.
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0
Disable SIP Calling
androidDisable SIP calling in Bluetooth settings.
Navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Calling > SIP accounts > Disable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use
- Disable SIP calling in Bluetooth settings
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is 2018-09-01 or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Bluetooth stack crashes in logcat
- SIP-related errors in Bluetooth logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth pairing attempts
- SIP protocol anomalies over Bluetooth
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND "btif_hf" AND "stack" AND "overflow"