CVE-2017-13160 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android system (bluetooth). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID A-37160362.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
This vulnerability resides within the Android Bluetooth subsystem and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. The issue stems from improper input validation and handling within the Bluetooth stack, specifically in how the system processes incoming Bluetooth packets. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker can send maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets to a target device, potentially triggering a buffer overflow condition that allows arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android operating system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction or physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific flaw in the Bluetooth protocol handling mechanism where insufficient bounds checking occurs during the processing of Bluetooth service discovery protocol (SDP) records. When a device receives malformed SDP records through Bluetooth connections, the system fails to properly validate the packet structure and length before attempting to parse and process the data. This insufficient validation creates a condition where an attacker can craft packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in remote code execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including unpaired Bluetooth devices, public Bluetooth services, or even through compromised Bluetooth accessories. An attacker in close proximity to a vulnerable device can establish a Bluetooth connection and send malicious packets to trigger the vulnerability. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that Bluetooth is enabled by default on most Android devices and often operates in discoverable mode, increasing the attack surface. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain complete control over the device, potentially enabling data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or further network penetration activities. The severity is compounded by the fact that users may not be aware of the attack occurring, as Bluetooth connections can be established silently in the background.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should ensure all Android devices are updated to patched versions that address the Bluetooth stack validation issues. Network administrators should implement Bluetooth access controls and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not required. Device hardening measures including disabling Bluetooth when not in use, implementing Bluetooth MAC address randomization, and monitoring for unusual Bluetooth connection patterns can help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious Bluetooth traffic patterns. Additionally, user education regarding Bluetooth security best practices, including avoiding pairing with unknown devices and disabling Bluetooth when not actively needed, provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network protocol implementations.