CVE-2016-2487 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
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 allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 27833616.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2487 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright component that operates within the mediaserver process. This vulnerability exists in 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 2016-06-01 security patch release. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious code that can elevate their privileges to gain access with signature or signatureOrSystem permissions, which represent the highest level of Android application permissions that can access system-level functionality and sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the stagefright media parser, which processes multimedia files without adequate bounds checking or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when the mediaserver processes malformed media files through the libstagefright library. Attackers can craft specially designed media files or applications that trigger the vulnerable code path during media parsing operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the elevated privileges of the mediaserver process, which typically runs with system-level permissions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because the mediaserver process operates with high privileges and has access to system resources that should be restricted to system applications only.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2487 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected Android devices. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to obtain signature or signatureOrSystem access, which provides access to all system-level APIs and sensitive data that normally requires system-level permissions. This could enable attackers to install malicious applications, access protected system files, modify system configurations, and potentially perform man-in-the-middle attacks on system communications. The vulnerability affects all Android devices running the impacted versions, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files downloaded from untrusted sources. The exploit demonstrates the principle of privilege escalation as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1068 Privilege Escalation, where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges than originally intended.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2487 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates to the latest Android security releases. Organizations and users should prioritize applying the security patches released by Google and device manufacturers, particularly those addressing the specific heap overflow conditions in libstagefright. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based security controls to filter potentially malicious media content, disabling automatic media file processing in applications, and employing mobile device management solutions to ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in system-level components, as emphasized by industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for secure software development. Device manufacturers should implement robust code review processes and security testing procedures to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their media processing frameworks, particularly focusing on memory safety and input validation controls.