CVE-2017-13308 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2024
In tscpu_write_GPIO_out and mtkts_Abts_write of mtk_ts_Abts.c, there is a possible buffer overflow in an sscanf due to improper input validation. This could lead to a local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13308 resides within the MediaTek thermal sensor driver component of Android systems, specifically affecting the tscpu_write_GPIO_out and mtkts_Abts_write functions within the mtk_ts_Abts.c source file. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation during string parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the sscanf function processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer space. The affected driver component operates at a low system level within the Linux kernel, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain elevated privileges.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a direct manipulation of the thermal management subsystem through improper input handling in the kernel space. When user-space applications interact with the thermal sensor interface, they pass data through the mtk_ts_Abts.c driver module where the sscanf function performs format parsing without validating the input length against the buffer boundaries. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious input that exceeds the intended buffer capacity, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation but does not necessitate user interaction, meaning it can be triggered automatically when the affected driver processes legitimate input data. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's thermal management system and potentially broader system access. Once exploited, the attacker gains kernel-level privileges that allow them to manipulate any system resources, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or even install persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that thermal sensors are integral components in mobile devices, making this vulnerability exploitable across numerous Android devices manufactured by MediaTek. The lack of user interaction requirement means that automated exploitation is possible, significantly increasing the threat level. This vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the Android kernel's input validation mechanisms and demonstrates the importance of proper buffer management in kernel-space code. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to complete device compromise, data theft, and potential use in larger attack campaigns targeting mobile platforms. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implementing additional runtime protections to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow conditions in other kernel modules.