CVE-2017-13258 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bnep_data_ind of bnep_main.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-67863755.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13258 resides within the Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP) implementation of Android operating systems, specifically in the bnep_data_ind function located in the bnep_main.cc source file. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate input data boundaries before processing Bluetooth packets. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly impacts the integrity of memory access operations within the Bluetooth subsystem. The BNEP protocol serves as a bridge between Bluetooth low energy and traditional Bluetooth protocols, facilitating network traffic forwarding between devices and making it a critical component of Android's Bluetooth stack.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a missing bounds check during the processing of incoming Bluetooth data packets that conform to the BNEP protocol specification. When maliciously crafted data arrives at the bnep_data_ind function, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries without proper validation. This condition allows an attacker to potentially extract sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, including kernel memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data structures that may be stored in memory proximity to the vulnerable buffer. The attack vector requires no user interaction or elevated privileges, as the flaw exists within the network protocol handling layer that processes incoming Bluetooth traffic automatically. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through Bluetooth connections without requiring physical access or user engagement.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13258 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Android versions including 5.1.1 through 8.1, representing a significant attack surface across multiple generations of mobile operating systems. The absence of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when Bluetooth devices attempt to connect or communicate with vulnerable systems. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which describes the use of network service scanning to identify accessible systems, and T1059 which encompasses the use of remote access capabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat means that attackers can potentially gather system configuration details, memory layouts, or other sensitive data that could aid in developing more sophisticated attacks against the target device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13258 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth protocol stack and applying timely security patches from Google. Organizations should ensure that all affected Android devices receive the relevant security updates, particularly those released as part of the Android Security Bulletin for August 2017. The fix typically involves adding proper validation checks before memory access operations, ensuring that array indices and buffer sizes are verified against expected ranges. System administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and limiting unnecessary Bluetooth functionality on devices, particularly in enterprise environments where sensitive data may be present. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be triggered through automated network scanning or connection attempts. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of Bluetooth-enabled systems to identify potential additional vulnerabilities within the wireless communication stack that may present similar attack surfaces.