CVE-2016-3827 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
codecs/hevcdec/SoftHEVC.cpp in libstagefright in mediaserver in Android 6.0.1 before 2016-08-01 mishandles decoder errors, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device hang or reboot) via a crafted media file, aka internal bug 28816956.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3827 resides within the libstagefright media framework of Android 6.0.1, specifically in the SoftHEVC.cpp component responsible for handling HEVC video decoding operations. This flaw manifests in the improper error handling mechanisms of the media server process, which executes within the Android operating system's core multimedia subsystem. The affected component is part of the broader stagefright framework that processes various multimedia formats and serves as a critical interface between applications and underlying hardware acceleration capabilities. The vulnerability was classified as an internal bug with identifier 28816956, indicating its discovery and tracking within Google's internal development systems before public disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error management during HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) decoding operations within the software-based decoder implementation. When processing maliciously crafted media files, the SoftHEVC.cpp module fails to properly handle decoder errors that occur during the decoding process, leading to unpredictable behavior in the media server daemon. This improper error handling causes the system to enter an unstable state where normal operation becomes impossible, resulting in either complete device hangs or forced reboots. The flaw specifically affects the error recovery mechanisms that should normally allow the system to gracefully handle malformed input data or decoding failures without compromising overall system stability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a critical security weakness that adversaries can exploit remotely through malicious media content. Attackers can craft specially designed video files that trigger the error handling flaw when processed by the vulnerable Android media server, potentially enabling them to disrupt device functionality without requiring physical access or elevated privileges. This vulnerability affects all Android 6.0.1 devices released prior to the security patch dated 2016-08-01, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of this Android version. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed through standard media playback scenarios, including email attachments, web content, or downloaded media files, allowing for remote exploitation without user interaction beyond normal media consumption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates for Android devices. Users should ensure their devices receive the August 2016 security update that specifically addresses this issue, which includes enhanced error handling mechanisms in the SoftHEVC.cpp component. System administrators and security professionals should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Android 6.0.1 devices within their environments, particularly in enterprise settings where device management systems can facilitate automated updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-704 (Incorrect Error Handling) and represents a classic example of insufficient error handling that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service attacks, as it enables remote attackers to cause system-wide disruptions through crafted media content. Organizations should also implement network-based filtering to prevent the execution of potentially malicious media files, though this approach provides only partial protection as the vulnerability can be exploited through various legitimate media delivery channels.