CVE-2017-13246 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Upstream kernel network driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. ID: A-36279469.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13246 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android kernel's upstream network driver component. This vulnerability specifically affects the Linux kernel version 4.4 and earlier, which forms the foundation of Android's kernel implementation across numerous mobile devices. The issue stems from improper handling of network packet processing within the kernel's network subsystem, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure that could compromise system security and user privacy. The vulnerability was classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses that result in information exposure, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where sensitive data is routinely processed and transmitted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the kernel's network driver code where insufficient validation and sanitization of network packet data leads to information leakage through memory corruption mechanisms. When the network driver processes malformed or specially crafted network packets, it fails to properly validate input parameters, resulting in memory contents being inadvertently exposed to user-space applications or potentially malicious entities. The flaw manifests when the kernel's network processing routines do not adequately protect against buffer overflows or improper memory access patterns that could reveal kernel memory addresses, sensitive data structures, or other confidential information. This information disclosure can occur through various kernel interfaces and system calls that handle network packet processing, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13246 extends beyond simple information exposure, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the Android ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into kernel memory layout, which could then be used to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and kernel address space protection. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to privilege escalation opportunities, as knowledge of kernel memory addresses and structures enables attackers to craft more effective exploitation techniques. Additionally, the information disclosure could reveal sensitive operational data about the device's network configuration, active connections, and kernel state information that could be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to compromise the entire system. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by weakening the kernel's ability to maintain proper isolation between different system components and user applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13246 focus primarily on kernel updates and patches that address the specific memory handling issues within the network driver code. Android device manufacturers and kernel maintainers should prioritize applying the relevant kernel security patches that implement proper input validation and memory access controls within the network processing routines. System administrators and security teams should ensure that all Android devices are updated to kernel versions that include fixes for this vulnerability, particularly those versions that have been certified as secure against similar information disclosure threats. The implementation of additional security measures such as kernel module whitelisting, enhanced network traffic monitoring, and regular security audits of kernel components can further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while maintaining compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 security requirements. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," emphasizes the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate information disclosure threat and potential escalation pathways.