CVE-2017-13274 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the getHost() function of UriTest.java, there is the possibility of incorrect web origin determination. This could lead to incorrect security decisions with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-71360761.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13274 resides within the Android operating system's web origin determination mechanism, specifically within the getHost() function of UriTest.java. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in how Android processes and validates URI components, particularly affecting versions ranging from 6.0 through 8.1. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain URI formats that can cause the system to incorrectly identify the host component of web addresses, leading to flawed security decisions based on inaccurate origin assessments. This issue is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and more specifically relates to CWE-20, representing input validation vulnerabilities. The flaw exists in the Android framework's core URI parsing capabilities, making it a fundamental weakness in the platform's security architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of URI formats that cause the getHost() function to return incorrect host information. When the system processes web requests or evaluates security contexts, it relies on accurate host identification to determine appropriate security policies and access controls. The incorrect determination can lead to situations where malicious content or requests are incorrectly classified, potentially bypassing security mechanisms designed to protect against cross-origin requests or unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and specifically impacts how Android's WebView and other web-related components handle URI parsing, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit web security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13274 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks by allowing incorrect security decisions to be made during web origin validation. An attacker could potentially craft malicious URIs that appear to originate from trusted domains, leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability's implications are particularly severe in contexts where Android applications rely on web origin checks for security decisions, such as in webview-based applications, browser implementations, or any system component that validates cross-origin requests. This flaw represents a significant weakness in Android's security model, as it allows for bypassing fundamental security boundaries without requiring additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise or sensitive application environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on both immediate patching and architectural considerations. Android security updates released in response to this vulnerability addressed the core parsing issue within the getHost() function, requiring all affected versions to be updated to the latest security patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Android devices running vulnerable versions receive timely updates. Additionally, developers should review their applications for reliance on potentially flawed URI parsing mechanisms and implement additional validation layers where necessary. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which deals with exploit for privilege escalation, and T1190, related to exploit public-facing application, highlighting the potential for both local and remote exploitation scenarios. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to malformed URI handling and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts.