CVE-2017-13252 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CryptoHal::decrypt of CryptoHal.cpp, there is an out of bounds write due to improper input validation that results in a read from uninitialized memory. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-70526702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13252 resides within the CryptoHal::decrypt function in the CryptoHal.cpp file of Android operating systems version 8.0 and 8.1. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the cryptographic hardware abstraction layer. The issue manifests as an out of bounds write condition that occurs when processing decrypted data, creating a scenario where the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This improper memory handling creates a pathway for attackers to access uninitialized memory regions, potentially exposing sensitive data or system information that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user interaction component, meaning that an attacker must first gain the ability to execute code on the target device through some form of social engineering, malicious application installation, or other initial compromise vectors. Once the attacker has achieved this initial foothold, the out of bounds write condition can be triggered during cryptographic operations, specifically when the system attempts to decrypt data through the vulnerable CryptoHal::decrypt function. The improper input validation allows malicious data to be processed in a way that overflows memory buffers, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential information disclosure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation details create a more complex scenario involving uninitialized memory access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13252 extends beyond simple data corruption or application crashes, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges. This means that an attacker who has already gained limited access to a device could potentially elevate their privileges to full system-level access through this vulnerability. The implications are particularly severe in Android environments where the cryptographic hardware abstraction layer handles sensitive operations related to secure boot processes, encryption key management, and secure communication protocols. The vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms that rely on proper cryptographic operations, undermining the integrity of the Android security model. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13252 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and defensive measures. Android security patches released by Google address this vulnerability through improved input validation mechanisms within the CryptoHal::decrypt function, ensuring that all input data is properly bounded before processing. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates, particularly for devices running Android 8.0 and 8.1 versions. Additional defensive measures include implementing runtime monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, enabling system integrity checks, and maintaining comprehensive logging of cryptographic operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in security-sensitive components, particularly within cryptographic libraries where improper input handling can have cascading effects on system security. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting and restricting user interaction with potentially malicious applications to minimize the attack surface.