CVE-2017-13283 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avrc_ctrl_pars_vendor_rsp of bluetooth avrcp_ctrl, there is a possible out of bounds write on the stack 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: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-71603410.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13283 resides within the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) control component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1. This issue manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow in the avrc_ctrl_pars_vendor_rsp function, which processes vendor-specific responses during Bluetooth AVRCP communication. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where Bluetooth connectivity is frequently utilized.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the stack memory allocation process during Bluetooth response parsing. When the system receives a specially crafted vendor response through the AVRCP control channel, the avrc_ctrl_pars_vendor_rsp function fails to validate the size of incoming data before copying it to a stack buffer. This omission creates a condition where an attacker can provide more data than the allocated buffer space, resulting in a stack overflow that can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and critical program state information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This type of buffer overflow can be exploited to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the program's execution flow through overwritten return addresses.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13283 extends beyond typical mobile security concerns due to the nature of Bluetooth communication and the lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through any Bluetooth device that communicates with an affected Android system, potentially enabling them to execute malicious code remotely without physical access or user engagement. The implications are particularly severe in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is constantly active, such as automotive systems, smart devices, or enterprise mobile platforms. This vulnerability maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as the overflow could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability especially dangerous for mobile environments where users may not be aware of ongoing Bluetooth connections or the security implications of such communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13283 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security fixes, particularly for systems running Android versions 7.0 through 8.1. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should ensure proper firmware updates are distributed to affected users, as this vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth stack functionality that is critical to device operation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network protocols and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of Bluetooth implementations. Security teams should also implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth communication where possible and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for robust memory safety practices in mobile operating systems and reinforces the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all mobile platforms.