CVE-2015-3876 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
libstagefright in Android through 5.1.1 LMY48M allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted metadata in a (1) MP3 or (2) MP4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3876 represents a critical security flaw within the libstagefright multimedia framework component of Android operating systems through version 5.1.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of multimedia file metadata processing, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through maliciously crafted audio and video files. The libstagefright library serves as the core multimedia processing engine responsible for parsing and handling various media formats including mp3 and mp4 files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise Android devices through media-based attacks.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient validation and sanitization of metadata structures within multimedia files processed by the stagefright framework. When an Android device encounters a specially crafted mp3 or mp4 file containing malicious metadata, the vulnerable parsing logic fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption conditions. These memory corruption vulnerabilities occur during the parsing of specific metadata fields that control how the multimedia framework processes file information, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the multimedia processing service. The vulnerability operates through a combination of integer overflows and buffer overflow conditions that stem from improper bounds checking within the parsing routines.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3876 extends far beyond simple media processing failures, as it enables attackers to achieve complete remote code execution on vulnerable Android devices without requiring user interaction or device compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous because users can be exploited simply by opening or even previewing malicious media files through standard media applications. The attack surface includes any Android device running version 5.1.1 or earlier, affecting millions of devices globally and creating significant risk for both individual users and enterprise environments. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework, where initial exploitation can lead to privilege escalation and full system compromise through the multimedia processing service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3876 require immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through network-level firewalls or traditional security measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely patch deployment across all Android devices, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in high-risk environments. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Security professionals should also consider implementing media file scanning and validation mechanisms at network perimeters and application layers to prevent exploitation attempts, while monitoring for suspicious file handling patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.