CVE-2017-13238 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In XBLRamDump mode, there is a debug feature that can be used to dump memory contents, if an attacker has physical access to the device. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-64610940.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13238 resides within the Android kernel's XBLRamDump functionality, representing a critical security flaw that undermines device confidentiality through unauthorized memory access. This issue specifically affects Android devices where the XBL (eXtensible Boot Loader) memory dump feature remains enabled in debug mode, creating an attack vector that requires only physical device access to exploit. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional software security measures that typically protect against information disclosure attacks.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the XBLRamDump mode, which is designed for debugging purposes during the boot process. When enabled, this feature allows memory contents to be dumped to external storage or debug interfaces without proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and lack of proper privilege verification within the kernel's memory management subsystem, specifically within the XBL component that handles early boot memory operations. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity best practices and aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to sensitive kernel memory regions that may contain cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data structures. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation and user interaction is not necessary, the vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers who gain physical possession of a device, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices where physical security is often assumed. The attack surface is broad as it affects all Android kernel versions where the debug feature remains enabled, potentially compromising millions of devices across various manufacturers and device models.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on disabling debug features in production environments, implementing proper access controls for memory dump functions, and ensuring that kernel components are compiled with security hardening measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive device security audits to identify systems with enabled XBLRamDump functionality and disable these features unless absolutely necessary for debugging purposes. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure development practices and proper configuration management, particularly in embedded systems where physical access can bypass traditional network-based security controls. The issue also highlights the need for adherence to the principle of defense in depth, where multiple security layers should be implemented to protect against various attack vectors including physical access threats. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables information gathering and potential command execution through kernel-level access.