CVE-2017-13281 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_pars_browsing_cmd of avrc_pars_tg.cc, there is a possible stack buffer overflow due to an incorrect 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: 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-71603262.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13281 represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw within the Android Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) implementation. This issue resides in the avrc_pars_browsing_cmd function located in the avrc_pars_tg.cc source file, which handles parsing of Bluetooth AVRCP browsing commands. The vulnerability stems from an incorrect bounds check during buffer operations, creating a condition where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets can trigger memory corruption. The flaw specifically affects Android versions 8.0 and 8.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these operating system versions. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as a primary attack vector in cybersecurity assessments. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though more accurately this maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution due to the remote code execution capability without user interaction.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows for remote code execution through Bluetooth communication channels without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers within Bluetooth range of affected devices. The stack buffer overflow occurs when the parsing function processes incoming Bluetooth AVRCP browsing commands that exceed expected buffer boundaries. The incorrect bounds check means that the system does not properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This validation failure creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specially formatted Bluetooth packets that, when processed by the vulnerable Android device, cause the stack to overflow and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. The implications extend beyond simple memory corruption as this type of vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Bluetooth service process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13281 is significant across multiple attack vectors and threat scenarios. Since exploitation requires no user interaction, it can be leveraged in automated attacks targeting Bluetooth-enabled devices in public spaces or corporate environments. The vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth stack functionality, meaning that any device running affected Android versions could be compromised simply by receiving malicious Bluetooth traffic. This makes it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that are constantly broadcasting or listening for Bluetooth connections, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to potentially install malicious applications, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of Bluetooth communication, which can occur automatically when devices are in proximity to each other, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices are frequently used. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises, particularly for devices that operate in high-risk environments or handle sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in Android 8.0 and 8.1 versions means that a substantial portion of mobile devices in use could be affected, requiring urgent patch management and security assessment activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13281 should focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability were released as part of the Android Security Bulletin for August 2017, and organizations should prioritize updating affected devices to the latest security patches. In the interim period before patching, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth radio disablement policies for devices that do not require Bluetooth connectivity, particularly in high-security environments. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all Android devices within their network that may be susceptible to this attack. The vulnerability's nature suggests that network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting policies to reduce the attack surface. From a defensive perspective, system administrators should monitor for unusual Bluetooth connection patterns and implement logging controls around Bluetooth service operations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates that organizations treat this as a critical security issue requiring immediate attention, potentially warranting temporary device disablement or restricted usage until proper patches are applied. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper bounds checking in system components that process external input, particularly in mobile operating system implementations.