CVE-2014-7916 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in SampleTable.cpp in libstagefright in Android before 5.0.0 has unspecified impact and attack vectors, aka internal bug 15342751.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7916 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the sample table processing functionality of libstagefright, a core multimedia framework component in Android operating systems. This issue specifically resides in the SampleTable.cpp file and affects Android versions prior to 5.0.0, making it a significant concern for devices running older Android releases. The vulnerability is categorized under the broader class of integer overflow conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The internal bug reference 15342751 indicates this was tracked within Google's internal development systems, suggesting the complexity and severity of the issue. The unspecified impact and attack vectors component of the description reflects the potential for various exploitation techniques that could leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in the context of mobile security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during the processing of multimedia sample tables within the stagefright framework. When processing certain malformed multimedia files, the system fails to properly validate integer calculations, leading to scenarios where arithmetic operations exceed their maximum representable values. This overflow condition can result in memory corruption, buffer overflows, or other memory-related issues that may be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The flaw occurs during the parsing of multimedia containers where sample table entries are processed, particularly affecting the handling of metadata and timing information within media files. The integer overflow typically manifests when large values are used in calculations that should remain within specific bounds, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the system's memory layout or execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and potential exploitation scenarios within the Android ecosystem. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become susceptible to remote code execution attacks when processing maliciously crafted multimedia files through applications that utilize the stagefright framework. This includes various media players, email clients, and other applications that handle multimedia content, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to device resources, execute malicious code, or compromise the entire system. The vulnerability's presence in libstagefright means it affects a fundamental component that numerous Android applications depend upon, amplifying the potential attack surface. Additionally, the unspecified nature of attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation techniques could be viable, including but not limited to buffer overflow attacks, memory corruption exploits, or privilege escalation scenarios that leverage the compromised multimedia processing functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7916 primarily focus on updating affected Android systems to versions 5.0.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper integer validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices are updated promptly, particularly those handling multimedia content or operating in high-risk environments. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as media file filtering, content validation, and network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of Android applications that utilize the stagefright framework to identify potential indirect impacts or additional attack vectors that may have been introduced through third-party integrations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a clear example of how multimedia processing components can introduce critical security risks that require careful attention to integer handling and input validation. This flaw demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that process untrusted data from external sources. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the technique of code injection, specifically through the use of buffer overflow exploits that leverage integer overflows to achieve remote code execution capabilities.