CVE-2017-0782 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android system (bluetooth). Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-63146237.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0782 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Bluetooth implementation that affects multiple versions of the operating system from version 4.4.4 through 8.0. This vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth stack and specifically impacts the Bluetooth service implementation that handles incoming Bluetooth connections and data processing. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without requiring physical access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where Bluetooth is frequently utilized for device connectivity and data transfer operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Bluetooth protocol stack implementation. Specifically, the flaw occurs during the processing of Bluetooth service discovery requests where insufficient bounds checking allows for buffer overflows to occur. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a classic and well-documented attack vector that has been exploited in numerous security incidents throughout the mobile computing landscape. The vulnerability exists in the Bluetooth service discovery protocol handling code where incoming packets are processed without adequate validation of packet length or content structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0782 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities to encompass a comprehensive attack surface that could enable various malicious activities. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of an affected device could potentially gain full system control, install malicious applications, access sensitive data, or even modify system configurations. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it provides the initial foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is automatically enabled and devices frequently connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious Bluetooth service discovery responses, crafted Bluetooth packets, or by leveraging other Bluetooth-related vulnerabilities in conjunction with this flaw. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where mobile devices are frequently used for business operations and where Bluetooth connectivity is enabled for various peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and wireless headphones. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader mobile device security posture, as it represents a significant risk to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions from 4.4.4 through 8.0 indicates that a substantial portion of the mobile device ecosystem was potentially exposed to this risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0782 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches and updates released by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Android security updates that address this specific vulnerability through the Android Security Bulletin process. Additional mitigations include disabling Bluetooth functionality when not in use, implementing Bluetooth access controls, and monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth activity. Network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access restrictions in enterprise environments and ensuring that Bluetooth services are properly configured to limit exposure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and regular vulnerability assessments for mobile device management systems. Device manufacturers and security teams should incorporate this vulnerability into their threat modeling exercises and consider the potential for similar flaws in other Bluetooth protocol implementations.