CVE-2015-3832 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in MPEG4Extractor.cpp in libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48I allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via invalid size values of NAL units in MP4 data, aka internal bug 19641538.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3832 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright library. This issue resides in the MPEG4Extractor.cpp component which handles MP4 file parsing and extraction operations. The vulnerability was discovered in Android versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48I, making it a widespread concern across numerous Android devices that remained unpatched. The flaw manifests when processing malformed NAL unit size values within MP4 data streams, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the media parser's handling of Network Abstraction Layer units. When the MPEG4Extractor processes MP4 files containing invalid or malformed NAL unit size values, the parser fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This oversight creates a classic buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing arbitrary code injection. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the media framework, leveraging the inherent trust placed in media file parsing operations to execute malicious payloads. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper input validation in multimedia processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3832 extends far beyond simple media processing failures, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Android devices without requiring physical access or user interaction. Attackers can craft malicious MP4 files containing specially crafted NAL unit size values that trigger the buffer overflow when the device attempts to play or process these files through the affected media framework. The attack surface includes any Android application or system component that utilizes libstagefright for media processing, including web browsers, email clients, and media players. This vulnerability particularly affects devices running Android versions 4.4 and earlier, as well as some 5.0 releases, making it a significant concern for organizations and individuals who had not yet updated their systems. The potential for exploitation through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media content creates a substantial risk profile that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3832 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch deployment to ensure devices run Android 5.1.1 LMY48I or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Android devices within their environment receive timely security updates. Additional protective measures include network-level filtering to block suspicious media file types, implementing sandboxing techniques for media processing operations, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure automatic update mechanisms are enabled. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates immediate action, as the window for exploitation extends across multiple attack vectors including web-based delivery methods and email attachments. System administrators should prioritize patching efforts and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple Android devices may be connected to corporate networks.