CVE-2017-13290 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In sdp_server_handle_client_req of sdp_server.cc, there is an out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure 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-69384124.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13290 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth SDP (Service Discovery Protocol) server implementation of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the sdp_server_handle_client_req function within the sdp_server.cc source file, where a fundamental bounds checking mechanism has been omitted during the processing of client requests. The absence of proper input validation allows malicious actors to exploit this weakness through carefully crafted Bluetooth service discovery requests that manipulate the expected data structure boundaries.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The flaw operates at the protocol level within the Bluetooth stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard Bluetooth service discovery operations that occur automatically during device pairing or network discovery processes. The affected Android versions span from 6.0 through 8.1, indicating this vulnerability has persisted across multiple major releases and represents a significant security gap in the mobile platform's Bluetooth implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information that may aid in further exploitation attempts. An attacker could leverage this out-of-bounds read to access memory contents that should remain private, potentially revealing kernel memory addresses, configuration data, or other sensitive information that could be used for privilege escalation or bypassing security mechanisms. This type of information disclosure aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1005 - Data from Local System, where adversaries collect information from compromised systems. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions suggests that it may have been present in the core Bluetooth stack implementation for an extended period, making it a significant concern for device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13290 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the SDP server implementation, ensuring that all input data is validated against expected ranges before processing. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability would typically involve adding explicit boundary checks to validate array indices and buffer sizes before accessing memory locations. Organizations should prioritize applying the latest Android security updates and patches, particularly those addressing Bluetooth protocol vulnerabilities. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth device access controls and monitoring for unusual discovery requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as requiring no user interaction makes it particularly concerning for mobile environments where devices frequently engage in automatic Bluetooth discovery processes, potentially exposing users to passive information disclosure attacks without their knowledge or consent.