CVE-2017-13293 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the nfc_hci_cmd_received() function of core.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the kernel with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-62679701.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13293 represents a critical kernel-level out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android NFC subsystem. This issue resides in the nfc_hci_cmd_received() function located in the core.c file of the Android kernel, where a fundamental bounds checking mechanism has been omitted during command processing. The flaw manifests when the NFC hardware control interface receives specific commands that trigger memory operations without proper validation of array indices or buffer boundaries. This omission creates a scenario where maliciously crafted NFC commands could cause the kernel to write data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and undermining system stability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation directly within the kernel space, bypassing traditional user-mode security controls and access restrictions. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this flaw particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges with no additional execution privileges needed. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where the NFC subsystem processes incoming hardware commands, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent control over Android devices. This type of flaw falls under CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a high-severity vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, as it directly enables arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13293 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise. Once exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, allowing them to modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, or extract sensitive data from the device. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel specifically, meaning it impacts all Android devices running affected kernel versions regardless of the device manufacturer or model. This widespread applicability makes the flaw particularly concerning for mobile device security, as it could potentially affect millions of devices globally. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it in the Privilege Escalation tactic, specifically using kernel exploits to gain elevated system privileges, representing one of the most severe threat categories in mobile security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates and patches from device manufacturers, as the flaw exists at the core operating system level. Android security patches addressing this issue should be deployed as soon as possible, with device manufacturers implementing timely security updates through their regular update cycles. System administrators and security teams should also consider implementing NFC command filtering mechanisms and monitoring for anomalous NFC activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation and bounds checking in kernel-level code, particularly for hardware interface drivers that handle untrusted external inputs. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their mobile device management policies to ensure rapid deployment of critical security patches and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other kernel subsystems that may present similar exploitation vectors.