CVE-2016-3766 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
MPEG4Extractor.cpp 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 2016-07-01 does not check whether memory allocation succeeds, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device hang or reboot) via a crafted file, aka internal bug 28471206.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3766 resides within the MPEG4Extractor.cpp component of libstagefright, a critical multimedia processing library in Android operating systems. This flaw 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, making it a widespread issue across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from insufficient error handling during memory allocation operations, creating a condition where the system fails to verify whether memory allocation requests succeed before proceeding with processing. This type of flaw falls under CWE-704, which encompasses improper handling of memory allocation failures, and represents a classic example of a resource management vulnerability that can lead to system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the mediaserver process attempts to parse maliciously crafted media files using the MPEG4Extractor functionality. During the parsing process, the code performs memory allocation operations without validating whether these allocations complete successfully. When memory allocation fails, the application continues execution without proper error handling, leading to undefined behavior that can manifest as device hangs or complete system reboots. The attack vector is remote and requires only the delivery of a specially crafted media file that, when processed by the vulnerable mediaserver component, triggers the memory allocation failure scenario. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which involves direct system manipulation through denial of service attacks that compromise system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3766 extends beyond simple device instability, as it represents a significant threat to Android device reliability and user experience. The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers who craft malicious media files that, when opened or processed by any Android device running the affected versions, will trigger the memory allocation failure condition. This creates a potential for widespread disruption across affected Android devices, particularly in environments where users frequently encounter media content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level through the mediaserver process, which is responsible for handling multimedia content across various applications and system components. The lack of proper error handling creates a cascading effect where memory allocation failures propagate through the system, potentially causing complete system crashes or forced reboots that disrupt normal device operation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3766 should prioritize immediate system updates to the patched Android versions that address the memory allocation validation issue. Organizations and users must ensure all affected Android devices receive the relevant security patches released by Google and device manufacturers, particularly those addressing the internal bug 28471206. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level filtering to block suspicious media file types, deploying mobile device management solutions that enforce security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of media handling capabilities within the Android environment. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual system behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper resource management in system-level components and underscores the necessity of comprehensive error handling mechanisms in mobile operating systems. Security teams should also maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities within the libstagefright library, as this represents a common attack surface that has historically contained numerous security issues requiring careful attention and regular patch management.