CVE-2017-13284 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In config_set_string of config.cc, it is possible to pair a second BT keyboard without user approval due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege 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-70808273.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13284 represents a critical security flaw in the Android operating system's Bluetooth keyboard pairing mechanism. This issue resides within the config_set_string function in the config.cc file, where inadequate input validation allows for unauthorized Bluetooth keyboard pairing operations. The flaw specifically affects Android versions 6.0 through 8.1, making it a widespread concern across multiple generations of the mobile platform. The vulnerability stems from the system's failure to properly validate user consent requirements during Bluetooth device pairing processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to establish unauthorized connections without explicit user approval.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Bluetooth configuration subsystem's insufficient validation of pairing requests. When a second Bluetooth keyboard attempts to pair with an Android device, the system should require explicit user confirmation before establishing the connection. However, due to the improper input validation in config_set_string, this security check can be bypassed, allowing automatic pairing to occur. This flaw operates at the system level within the Android framework, specifically affecting the Bluetooth configuration management components that handle device pairing protocols. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation issues that can lead to various security consequences including privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized device pairing, as it enables potential remote privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means that an attacker could exploit the vulnerability from a remote location to gain elevated system privileges on affected Android devices. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any visible user prompts or warnings. The Android ID A-70808273 confirms the severity and tracking of this issue within Google's internal vulnerability management system, indicating the potential for widespread exploitation across the Android ecosystem.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of local system privileges. The flaw allows for privilege escalation through the manipulation of Bluetooth pairing mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to gain root access to affected devices. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through system interfaces, as the compromised Bluetooth subsystem could serve as a gateway for further malicious activities. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat vector given its ability to enable remote system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or user cooperation. The impact is particularly severe for enterprise environments where Android devices may be used for sensitive operations or contain confidential data.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate installation of security patches provided by Google for affected Android versions, as well as implementation of network-level controls to restrict Bluetooth device discovery and pairing. Device administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not actively required and implementing strict device management policies to monitor for unauthorized Bluetooth connections. Regular security audits should verify that Bluetooth pairing mechanisms are functioning correctly and that no unauthorized devices have been paired with affected systems. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of automatic Bluetooth pairing and encouraged to manually verify all device connections to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.