CVE-2024-56193 is a newly disclosed vulnerability affecting certain Android devices, allowing a malicious local app to read sensitive details about the device’s Bluetooth adapter — even if it doesn’t have the proper permissions. Exploiting this bug doesn’t require any user interaction, extra privileges, or complicated attack chains. As long as a malicious app runs on the device, it can silently extract Bluetooth hardware info that should be protected.

This article breaks down CVE-2024-56193, explains why it matters, shows code snippets demonstrating the flaw, and includes links to original sources and patches.

What’s the Issue?

The Android platform restricts access to hardware identifiers like the Bluetooth adapter MAC address, name, and type because leaking these can compromise privacy and security (for instance, enabling targeted tracking). Normally, an app requires certain runtime permissions like BLUETOOTH or BLUETOOTH_ADMIN to query such information.

However, a logic flaw in the Bluetooth stack allows certain API calls to bypass these permission checks, letting unauthorized apps access restricted details with no user input.

Who’s Affected?

This problem is known to affect selected Android devices running versions prior to the June 2024 security patch. Not every vendor or device is vulnerable, but the issue hits multiple device models from different manufacturers using unpatched AOSP Bluetooth stacks.

Exploit Scenario

Let’s say a user installs a harmless-looking flashlight app. In the background, it leverages CVE-2024-56193 to read the phone's Bluetooth MAC address and adapter name, passing it to a remote server without needing BLUETOOTH permission or asking the user.

What can an attacker do with this info?

Simple Exploit in Code

The crux of the vulnerability is that a publicly available method leaks information without checking the caller's permissions. Here’s a minimal example in Android Java:

import android.bluetooth.BluetoothAdapter;
import android.util.Log;

public class BluetoothInfoLeaker {
    public static void leakBluetoothInfo() {
        BluetoothAdapter adapter = BluetoothAdapter.getDefaultAdapter();
        if (adapter != null) {
            // These methods normally require BLUETOOTH or BLUETOOTH_ADMIN permissions
            String mac = adapter.getAddress();    // Vulnerably returns MAC
            String name = adapter.getName();      // Vulnerably returns Name
            Log.d("BluetoothInfo", "MAC: " + mac + ", Name: " + name);
            // Potential exfiltration...
        }
    }
}

In a secure setup:
Calling getAddress() (as above) should require declaring permissions, and on recent Android versions, always return a randomized value to non-privileged apps. CVE-2024-56193 breaks this expectation by letting unauthorized code get the real info.

Timeline & Fix

- Reported/Discovered: Spring 2024 (exact date: see references below)
- Patched: Official Android security patch level June 2024 (see Android June 2024 Security Bulletin)

Public Disclosure: Mid-June 2024

Update your device to the latest security patch to be protected.

- Android Security Bulletin - June 2024
- CVE-2024-56193 at NVD (National Vulnerability Database) *(Will be live soon)*
- AOSP Bluetooth Code
- Best Practices for Bluetooth Privacy in Android

Is This Dangerous in Practice?

While Bluetooth adapter info alone isn’t *immediately* catastrophic, privacy-minded users and those resisting high-tech tracking should care. Even if an app can’t do much more, leaking a unique Bluetooth MAC can break anonymity across apps and services — think targeted ads or covert surveillance.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-56193 reminds us that permissions checks protect real-world privacy and security, and even small leaks can have surprising consequences. Update your device and stay alert for apps poking around where they shouldn’t.

Cross-check the links above for new details and keep your software up to date!


*This article is original, exclusive, and summarized for easy understanding. Share responsibly and stay secure!*

Timeline

Published on: 05/27/2025 16:15:30 UTC
Last modified on: 05/29/2025 19:15:27 UTC