CVE-2017-13239 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Android framework (ui framework). Product: Android. Versions: 8.0. ID: A-66244132.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13239 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the Android framework's user interface component. This weakness specifically affects Android 8.0 systems and stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the ui framework module. The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to confidential information that should remain protected within the system's security boundaries. Such information disclosure represents a critical threat vector that could potentially expose sensitive user data, system configurations, or other proprietary information to malicious actors. The flaw resides in the framework's design where it fails to adequately sanitize or restrict access to certain data structures during user interface operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper exposure of internal system information through the ui framework's data handling mechanisms. When the Android system processes user interface elements, the framework fails to properly isolate or encrypt sensitive data that may be accessible through certain API calls or system interactions. This creates a pathway for attackers to extract information that should remain confidential within the system's security model. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic pattern of insufficient data protection where the ui framework does not implement proper access controls or data sanitization measures during the rendering or processing of user interface components. This flaw essentially undermines the system's information flow control mechanisms and allows for unauthorized data leakage through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13239 extends beyond simple data exposure, creating potential risks for user privacy and system integrity. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive information including user credentials, application data, or system configuration details that could then be used for further exploitation. The information disclosure could enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement within the system, or targeted attacks against specific user accounts. This vulnerability particularly affects Android 8.0 systems where the ui framework's information handling processes have not been properly secured against unauthorized access attempts. The flaw's presence in the core ui framework means that any application or system component that interacts with user interface elements could potentially be exploited to extract sensitive data.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and data sanitization within the ui framework components. System administrators should ensure that affected Android 8.0 devices receive timely security updates from Google that address the information disclosure weakness. The fix typically involves strengthening the framework's data handling procedures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information during ui operations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data theft through information discovery. Regular security assessments should verify that the ui framework properly implements data protection measures and that access controls remain effective against information disclosure threats. The remediation process requires careful implementation to ensure that security improvements do not negatively impact system functionality while effectively closing the data exposure pathway.