Description Preview
CVE-2017-13308 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Android thermal management system, specifically in the tscpu_write_GPIO_out and mtkts_Abts_write functions of the mtk_ts_Abts.c file. The vulnerability occurs due to improper input validation in an sscanf operation, which could allow an attacker to overflow a buffer with malicious data. This vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges to the System level. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
Overview
This vulnerability affects the thermal management components of MediaTek (MTK) processors used in Android devices. The affected functions tscpu_write_GPIO_out and mtkts_Abts_write in the mtk_ts_Abts.c file fail to properly validate input before using the sscanf function, leading to a classic buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-120). An attacker with local access to the device could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with System privileges, effectively gaining elevated access to the device. This is particularly concerning as it could be used as part of a chain of exploits to gain complete control of an affected Android device.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, users should:
- Update their Android devices to the latest security patch level that includes fixes for this vulnerability (June 2018 or later security patch).
- If updates are no longer available for your device, consider upgrading to a supported device that receives regular security updates.
- For device manufacturers and developers: Implement proper input validation in the affected functions to ensure that input data cannot overflow buffers when processed by sscanf.
- Limit installation of applications to trusted sources such as the Google Play Store to reduce the risk of malicious applications that might exploit this vulnerability.
References
- Android Security Bulletin (Pixel): https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2018-06-01
- CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow'): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/120.html
- MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2017-13308
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
