CVE-2017-13302 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android system (system ui). Product: Android. Versions: 8.0. Android ID: A-69969749.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13302 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android system user interface component, specifically affecting Android 8.0 operating system versions. This vulnerability resides within the system ui service which is responsible for managing the core user interface elements including status bars, notifications, and system overlays that users interact with during normal device operation. The flaw manifests as an insufficient input validation mechanism that fails to properly handle malformed or crafted input data passed to the system ui service, creating a condition where legitimate system operations can be disrupted through carefully constructed malicious inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking and memory handling within the system ui service's processing pipeline. When the service receives input data that exceeds expected parameters or contains malformed structures, it fails to implement adequate defensive measures to prevent the processing from continuing in an unstable state. This condition allows an attacker to craft specific inputs that trigger a crash or freeze within the system ui service, effectively rendering core user interface elements non-functional. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than at the application level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect fundamental system operations and potentially compromise the entire device's usability. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, as the system fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them, and may also relate to CWE-248: Uncaught Exception, since the system does not properly handle exceptional conditions that arise during input processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13302 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can lead to complete system unresponsiveness where users cannot interact with their devices through normal interface mechanisms. This denial of service condition can occur both through local manipulation and potentially through remote exploitation depending on the specific attack vectors available within the system's network interfaces. The vulnerability affects the fundamental user experience and device functionality, as the system ui service is integral to all user interactions with the Android operating system. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a means to create persistent system instability that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts or to disrupt service availability for targeted users. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where device reliability is crucial for business operations, as a single compromised device could potentially affect productivity and security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security updates for Android 8.0 devices. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper error handling in system-level services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.001: Network Denial of Service which emphasizes the need for robust defensive measures against service disruption attacks. Device manufacturers and carriers should also consider implementing additional security controls such as sandboxing mechanisms for system services and enhanced logging capabilities to detect and respond to similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential weaknesses in system service implementations that could lead to similar denial of service conditions.