CVE-2017-13311 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2024
In the read() function of ProcessStats.java, there is a possible read/write serialization issue leading to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege where an app can start an activity with system privileges 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-2017-13311 resides within the Android operating system's ProcessStats.java component, specifically within the read() function that handles serialization operations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for unauthorized privilege escalation through improper handling of serialized data structures. The vulnerability falls under the category of permission bypass issues and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the Android system validates and processes serialized objects during runtime operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the serialization process of the ProcessStats.java file. When the read() function processes serialized data, it fails to properly validate the integrity and authorization level of the incoming serialized objects. This creates a scenario where malicious applications can manipulate serialized data to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional execution permissions or user interaction. The flaw operates at the core level of Android's system security model, specifically affecting how the system handles activity initiation and privilege management.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Android device security as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. An attacker can exploit this weakness to start activities with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing the normal Android permission model that typically restricts application capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, or gain unauthorized access to protected data. This vulnerability represents a significant weakening of Android's security sandbox mechanism.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of CWE-254, which covers security weaknesses related to improper handling of serialized data, and CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, monitoring for unauthorized activity patterns, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of applications that interact with system-level processes. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in serialization operations and highlights the need for robust security controls in mobile operating system components.