CVE-2017-13260 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-69177251.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13260 resides within the Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP) implementation of Android systems, specifically in the bnep_data_ind function located in bnep_main.cc. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly 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 affected Android versions span from 5.1.1 through 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple generations of the mobile operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malformed Bluetooth packets that trigger an out-of-bounds memory read during BNEP data processing. When the bnep_data_ind function receives crafted input data, it fails to perform adequate bounds checking before accessing memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to read data from adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, though it requires no local privileges or user interaction for successful exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that an adversary can trigger this condition from outside the device perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where Bluetooth communication is frequently enabled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive data stored in adjacent memory locations including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or application data. Since no additional execution privileges are required and user interaction is not needed, the attack vector is extremely accessible to remote threat actors. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure means that attackers could potentially extract confidential information from the device's memory without requiring physical access or user engagement. This makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain sensitive corporate data and for personal devices where user privacy could be compromised through the extraction of stored information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13260 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth subsystem and applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google. Organizations should ensure that all affected Android devices are updated to versions that contain the patched BNEP implementation, which typically involves updating to Android 8.1 or later. Network administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in network protocol implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical need for memory safety checks in mobile operating systems. Security teams should also consider deploying network segmentation and Bluetooth deactivation policies for devices that do not require wireless connectivity to minimize attack surface exposure.