CVE-2017-13292 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In wl_get_assoc_ies of wl_cfg80211.c, there is a possible out of bounds write 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: Android kernel. Android ID: A-70722061. References: B-V2018010201.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13292 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android kernel's wireless networking subsystem. This issue resides in the wl_get_assoc_ies function located in the wl_cfg80211.c source file, which is part of the Broadcom wireless driver implementation. The flaw stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism that fails to properly validate input data during association response processing. Such a vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically addressing improper validation of array indices or object bounds. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it a severe threat vector for attackers targeting Android devices with affected kernel versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the wireless driver processes association response information elements from wireless networks. During this process, the wl_get_assoc_ies function attempts to parse and copy association information elements into local buffers without sufficient validation of the source data length. The incorrect bounds check allows an attacker to craft malicious association response frames that contain oversized data payloads. When the driver processes these malformed frames, it writes data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, providing attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no local privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13292 extends across all Android devices running affected kernel versions, particularly those utilizing Broadcom wireless chipsets. This vulnerability enables attackers to achieve remote code execution with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard Android security boundaries and access controls. The lack of user interaction requirements means that devices can be compromised simply by coming within range of malicious wireless networks, making it a significant threat for targeted attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and control through kernel exploits, and T1068 for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel's wireless networking stack, specifically targeting the cfg80211 subsystem that manages wireless device configuration and association processes. Devices with wireless capabilities, including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, are all potentially at risk when running affected Android kernel versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13292 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. The Android Security Bulletin for January 2018 addressed this vulnerability through kernel-level fixes that correct the bounds checking implementation in the wireless driver. Organizations and users should ensure their Android devices receive the latest security updates, particularly those containing kernel patches for the Broadcom wireless driver. Network administrators should also consider implementing wireless network monitoring to detect and mitigate potential exploitation attempts through suspicious association frames. Additionally, device manufacturers should conduct thorough security testing of wireless driver implementations to identify similar bounds checking vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space drivers, emphasizing the need for robust memory safety mechanisms and adherence to secure coding practices. Regular security audits of kernel components and wireless stack implementations should be conducted to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.