CVE-2017-13266 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_pars_vendor_cmd of avrc_pars_tg.cc, there is a possible stack corruption due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution 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-69478941.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13266 resides within the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) implementation of Android's Bluetooth stack, specifically in the avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function located in avrc_pars_tg.cc. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing vendor-specific Bluetooth commands, making it a significant security concern for mobile devices that utilize Bluetooth connectivity. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking when parsing incoming Bluetooth packets, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the stack memory layout.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) transport layer where vendor-specific commands are processed through the avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function. When a malformed Bluetooth packet containing oversized vendor-specific data is received, the code fails to validate the data length against the allocated buffer space, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This missing bounds check creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Bluetooth service process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it a prime target for automated exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13266 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise capabilities. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can send specially crafted vendor-specific commands that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent system compromise. This vulnerability affects a broad range of 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 the widespread nature of the issue across multiple Android releases. The lack of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur passively, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices are constantly exposed to potential attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's execution techniques, particularly those involving privilege escalation through system-level code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13266 should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android security updates released in 2017 addressed this vulnerability by implementing proper bounds checking in the avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function, preventing the buffer overflow condition from occurring. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security patches across all affected Android devices, particularly those in high-risk environments or handling sensitive information. Network administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not in use, implementing Bluetooth device authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of Bluetooth-enabled systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in system-level code and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation oversights can lead to severe security consequences affecting millions of devices globally.