CVE-2017-13309 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2024
In readEncryptedData of ConscryptEngine.java, there is a possible plaintext leak due to improperly used crypto. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13309 represents a critical cryptographic flaw within the Conscrypt library's SSL/TLS implementation, specifically affecting the ConscryptEngine.java component. This issue manifests in the readEncryptedData method where improper handling of cryptographic operations creates a potential plaintext leak scenario that can compromise sensitive information. The vulnerability exists at the core of how encrypted data is processed and decrypted within the Android platform's security infrastructure, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Conscrypt in Android applications and systems.
The technical root cause stems from improper cryptographic operation usage that allows attackers to potentially extract plaintext information from encrypted communications. This flaw occurs during the decryption process when the cryptographic implementation fails to properly manage the relationship between encrypted data and the plaintext that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and specifically relates to improper use of cryptographic primitives. The flaw demonstrates a weakness in how the system handles data flow between encrypted and decrypted states, creating a pathway for information leakage without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local information disclosure attacks that can occur automatically without user involvement or elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive data that was intended to remain encrypted, potentially compromising communications, authentication tokens, or other protected information. The vulnerability's accessibility means that any application or system component utilizing Conscrypt for SSL/TLS operations could be affected, creating a broad attack surface that extends across various Android applications and services. This type of vulnerability directly violates the fundamental security principle that encrypted data should remain protected from unauthorized access, as defined in the NIST SP 800-57 cryptographic standards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13309 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Conscrypt implementations, with developers updating to versions that properly address the cryptographic operation handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for any unauthorized access patterns or data leakage incidents that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1552 as "Unsecured Credentials" since it potentially exposes sensitive data that should remain protected. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and adherence to established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Cryptographic Storage Controls, which emphasize the need for correct use of cryptographic APIs and proper management of sensitive data throughout its lifecycle.