CVE-2017-13213 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom bcmdhd driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-63374465. References: B-V2017081501.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The CVE-2017-13213 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom bcmdhd driver component of Android kernel implementations. This vulnerability specifically targets the wireless networking subsystem that relies on Broadcom's proprietary driver for Wi-Fi connectivity. The issue stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the driver's kernel space implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from unprivileged user contexts to full system-level access. The vulnerability affects Android devices that utilize Broadcom's Wi-Fi chipsets, making it particularly widespread across numerous mobile devices that shipped with this hardware configuration.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted inputs or malformed network packets that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the bcmdhd driver's processing routines. The flaw manifests when the driver fails to properly validate parameters passed from user space applications, allowing attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability's nature suggests improper memory management practices where the driver does not adequately check bounds or validate data integrity before processing network-related commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing standard Android security boundaries that normally protect system resources from user-level applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13213 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. Once exploited, adversaries can access sensitive device information, modify system configurations, install malicious applications, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability particularly affects Android devices running kernel versions that incorporate the vulnerable bcmdhd driver, with the specific Android ID A-63374465 indicating the scope of affected releases. The attack surface includes any application that can interact with the Wi-Fi subsystem or send network commands through the affected driver interface. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions and device manufacturers creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not adequately address kernel-level exploits.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android kernel implementations, with device manufacturers and carriers responsible for rolling out security updates. The recommended approach involves updating the Broadcom bcmdhd driver to versions that properly validate input parameters and implement proper access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual Wi-Fi-related activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from manufacturers, as the vulnerability can be exploited through network-based attacks that require no physical access to the device. The fix typically involves strengthening the driver's input validation mechanisms and implementing proper memory management practices to prevent buffer overflows and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious network traffic patterns or unauthorized system modifications that might suggest exploitation of this vulnerability.