CVE-2015-3828 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The MPEG4Extractor::parse3GPPMetaData function in MPEG4Extractor.cpp in libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48I does not enforce a minimum size for UTF-16 strings containing a Byte Order Mark (BOM), which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (integer underflow and memory corruption) via crafted 3GPP metadata, aka internal bug 20923261, a related issue to CVE-2015-3826.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3828 resides within the libstagefright media framework component of Android operating systems prior to version 5.1.1 LMY48I. This flaw specifically affects the MPEG4Extractor::parse3GPPMetaData function located in the MPEG4Extractor.cpp source file, representing a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution and denial of service conditions. The issue stems from inadequate validation of UTF-16 string structures containing Byte Order Mark elements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate media file metadata and compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of UTF-16 encoded strings that contain Byte Order Mark indicators. When the MPEG4Extractor processes 3GPP metadata files, it fails to enforce minimum size constraints for these UTF-16 strings, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted metadata that triggers integer underflow conditions. This underflow leads to memory corruption scenarios where the application's memory management becomes compromised, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length parameters, and manifests as an integer underflow condition that directly impacts memory allocation and handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3828 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by embedding maliciously crafted 3GPP metadata within media files, which are then processed by vulnerable Android devices. This creates a vector for privilege escalation attacks where unprivileged users can potentially execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects Android devices running versions earlier than 5.1.1, representing a significant portion of the mobile device ecosystem at the time of discovery, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in media processing components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Android 5.1.1 LMY48I or later versions where the fix has been implemented. Security administrators should prioritize patch management across all affected devices and implement network-level controls to prevent the delivery of malicious media files. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking for UTF-16 string lengths and enforcing minimum size requirements before processing Byte Order Mark indicators. Organizations should also consider implementing media file scanning and validation mechanisms as additional defensive measures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate program execution and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage patterns. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of how media processing libraries can become attack vectors when proper input sanitization and bounds checking mechanisms are absent from critical code paths.