CVE-2018-9484
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2018-9484 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Android's Bluetooth stack that allows remote attackers to read memory contents without authentication or user interaction. This could lead to information disclosure of sensitive data from affected devices. The vulnerability affects Android devices with Bluetooth enabled.
💻 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 attacker could read sensitive memory contents including authentication tokens, encryption keys, or other protected data from the device's Bluetooth stack memory space.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of limited memory contents from the Bluetooth subsystem, potentially revealing device identifiers or Bluetooth-related data.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if Bluetooth is disabled or device is not discoverable, though the vulnerability could still be exploited by paired devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Bluetooth proximity and knowledge of the vulnerability, but no authentication or user interaction is 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. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install the September 2018 security patch or later. 3. Reboot the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
androidTurn off Bluetooth when not in use to prevent exploitation
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Turn off
Set Bluetooth to non-discoverable
androidPrevent device from being visible to nearby Bluetooth scanners
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Device name > Turn off visibility
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely when not actively using Bluetooth devices
- Avoid using Bluetooth in public or untrusted environments where attackers might be nearby
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level: Settings > About phone > Android version and Security patch level. If running Android 8.0/8.1 with patch level before September 2018, device is vulnerable.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 > Security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Bluetooth stack crashes in logcat
- Unexpected Bluetooth configuration rejection messages
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts from unknown devices
- Multiple Bluetooth pairing/rejection events
SIEM Query:
source="android_logcat" AND "l2cu_send_peer_config_rej" OR "Bluetooth stack error"