CVE-2017-13253 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CryptoPlugin::decrypt of CryptoPlugin.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. 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-71389378.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13253 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android cryptographic plugin subsystem, specifically within the CryptoPlugin::decrypt function located in CryptoPlugin.cpp. This vulnerability exists in Android versions 8.0 and 8.1, with the Android ID A-71389378 documenting the specific issue. The flaw manifests as a missing bounds check during decryption operations, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation that does not require additional execution privileges beyond normal user access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and more specifically with CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds write conditions. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a significant security risk as it enables local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level without requiring additional malicious code execution capabilities. The requirement for user interaction indicates that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or phishing attacks where users must perform specific actions such as opening malicious files or interacting with compromised applications. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and specifically aligns with T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for exploitation. The cryptographic plugin's role in Android's security framework makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the system's ability to securely process encrypted data. When exploited, the out-of-bounds write can corrupt memory structures within the cryptographic subsystem, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical system components or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can compromise the entire cryptographic security infrastructure of the device, affecting secure communications, data encryption, and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's presence in Android 8.0 and 8.1 versions indicates a widespread risk across a significant portion of Android devices that were actively using these operating system versions at the time of discovery. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which would address the missing bounds check in the CryptoPlugin::decrypt function. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and consider network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of rigorous input validation in security-critical code paths, particularly within cryptographic implementations where memory corruption can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other cryptographic libraries and security subsystems within their Android environments. The flaw underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines, specifically focusing on memory safety and bounds checking in cryptographic implementations. Regular security audits of cryptographic code and implementation of automated static analysis tools can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.