CVE-2017-13261 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In bnep_process_control_packet of bnep_utils.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-69177292.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13261 resides within the Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP) implementation of Android operating systems, specifically in the bnep_process_control_packet function located in the bnep_utils.cc source file. This issue represents a classic out-of-bounds read vulnerability that occurs when the system fails to validate input data boundaries before processing Bluetooth control packets. The flaw manifests as a missing bounds check that allows an attacker to potentially read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices are not properly validated before use. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate input data to access memory regions that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional execution privileges and does not necessitate user interaction, making it a passive threat that can be leveraged remotely.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Android devices that utilize Bluetooth connectivity, as it allows for remote information disclosure without requiring any user engagement or elevated privileges. The attack surface is broad since Bluetooth is a fundamental connectivity feature on most Android devices, and the vulnerability can be exploited through malicious Bluetooth packets sent over the air. The potential impact includes exposure of sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, personal information, or other confidential data stored in memory regions accessible through the out-of-bounds read. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which describes the use of network services to establish initial access or to move laterally within a network environment.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google, which typically include bounds checking mechanisms and proper input validation for Bluetooth packet processing. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across affected Android versions. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network protocol implementations and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of core system components that handle external data input. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and Bluetooth access controls to limit potential attack vectors while awaiting patch deployment.