CVE-2017-0392 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in VBRISeeker.cpp in libstagefright 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-32577290.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0392 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically affecting the Mediaserver component that handles multimedia file parsing and playback. This issue resides in the VBRISeeker.cpp module of libstagefright, which is responsible for parsing VBR (Variable Bit Rate) headers in audio files, particularly those in the MP3 format. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling during the parsing process, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries through specially crafted media files. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level within the media server daemon, which runs with elevated privileges and processes multimedia content from various sources including network downloads and file transfers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously formatted MP3 file is processed by the stagefright media parser, specifically during the VBRI header parsing phase where the VBRISeeker.cpp module attempts to calculate seek positions within the audio stream. The flaw manifests as an integer overflow or improper memory allocation that causes the media server to crash or become unresponsive, resulting in device hang or forced reboot. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices and other input validation issues that can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector because it can be triggered through standard media playback scenarios without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that frequently process media content from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0392 extends beyond simple device disruption, as it can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions that compromise device availability and user experience. Attackers can craft malicious MP3 files that, when opened or played through any application utilizing the stagefright framework, will trigger the vulnerability and cause system instability. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1, indicating a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem. The attack surface is broad since virtually any application that processes audio files could potentially be exploited, including email clients, messaging applications, web browsers, and file managers that automatically play or preview media content. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vector that can be weaponized for broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0392 require both immediate patching and operational security measures to protect against exploitation. The primary solution involves applying the security patches released by Google as part of the Android security bulletin, which include fixes to the stagefright media parser and enhanced input validation in the VBRISeeker.cpp module. Organizations should implement strict media file validation policies that scan for potentially malicious content before processing, particularly for files received from untrusted sources or external networks. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering mechanisms that block or quarantine suspicious media files, while users should avoid opening media content from unknown or untrusted sources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks, as the vulnerability could be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks targeting the device's underlying operating system.