CVE-2016-2463 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the h264dec component in libstagefright in mediaserver in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-06-01 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted media file that triggers a large memory allocation, aka internal bug 27855419.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2463 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the h264dec component of libstagefright in Android's mediaserver process. This issue affects multiple Android versions including 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before the specified date. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation during the decoding process of H.264 video streams, where the system fails to adequately check integer values before performing memory allocation operations. This flaw falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type, leading to unexpected behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted media file is processed by the mediaserver component, specifically triggering the h264dec decoder. During the decoding process, the system performs calculations to determine memory allocation sizes for video frame buffers and other decoding structures. When integer overflows occur in these calculations, the resulting memory allocation requests become excessively large, potentially causing memory corruption or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through media files delivered via various channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or messaging applications, making it a significant vector for remote code execution attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2463 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the mediaserver process, which typically runs with elevated permissions within the Android system. This could potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The memory corruption resulting from these integer overflows creates unpredictable system behavior that attackers can exploit to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to privilege escalation or information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content from various sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2463 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates to address the underlying integer overflow conditions in the libstagefright component. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to versions containing the security fixes released by Google, specifically targeting the Android versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Additionally, implementing network-level filtering to restrict media file downloads and scanning incoming content for malicious patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as it can be exploited through media processing scripts, and under T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" as it allows attackers to execute code on victim systems through media file manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of media processing applications and monitor for unusual memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.