CVE-2017-0390 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in Tremolo/dpen.s in Mediaserver could enable a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to cause a device hang or reboot. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote denial of service. Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1. Android ID: A-31647370.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0390 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android Mediaserver component, specifically affecting the Tremolo/dpen.s module. This issue manifests through a remote attack vector that allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted media files capable of triggering device instability. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating system versions across various mobile devices. The flaw resides in the media processing pipeline where the system fails to properly validate input file structures, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit memory handling mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the media decoding process, specifically when processing certain file formats that contain malformed or crafted data structures. When the Mediaserver component attempts to parse these maliciously constructed files, it encounters unexpected data patterns that cause the system to enter an unstable state. This typically results in a device hang or forced reboot, effectively rendering the affected device unusable until manual intervention occurs. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than at the application layer, meaning it can affect all applications that rely on the media framework for file processing. The issue is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Input Validation weakness, where the system fails to properly validate the range, type, or format of input data before processing it.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to device availability and user experience across the affected Android versions. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised without direct interaction, simply by receiving or downloading malicious media content through various channels such as email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads. The impact extends beyond individual devices to potentially affect large-scale deployments where multiple devices within an organization could be simultaneously compromised, leading to productivity losses and security incidents. The vulnerability's classification as High severity according to CVSS scoring reflects the ease of exploitation and the guaranteed denial of service outcome, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where device reliability is critical. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for Network Denial of Service and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables both remote exploitation and the delivery of malicious payloads through media files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security releases. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be at risk. Network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent the download and execution of potentially malicious media files, while also monitoring for unusual device behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers and carriers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections that can detect and block suspicious media file processing patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure input validation practices in system components that handle user-provided data, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of downloading media content from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping their devices updated with the latest security patches.