CVE-2017-0406 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in Mediaserver could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to cause memory corruption during media file and data processing. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of remote code execution within the context of the Mediaserver process. This affects the libhevc library. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32915871.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0406 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's media processing infrastructure, specifically affecting the libhevc library component. This vulnerability resides within the Mediaserver process which serves as the core media handling service in Android operating systems. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted media files that trigger memory corruption during data parsing operations, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The issue impacts multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, indicating a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its ability to execute code within the privileged Mediaserver context, which typically operates with system-level permissions and can access sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through heap-based memory corruption during HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video processing. When the libhevc library parses malformed video data, it fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption typically occurs in the heap memory management structures used by the media processing pipeline, where attackers can manipulate pointers or overwrite function return addresses to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability specifically targets the video decoding and processing components that handle HEVC format files, making it particularly dangerous as HEVC is increasingly used in modern media applications and streaming services. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through media processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0406 extends beyond simple remote code execution as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold within Android devices. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to gain system-level privileges, potentially enabling full device compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it without physical device access, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. Attackers could deliver malicious media files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised streaming services, making the attack surface extremely broad. The Mediaserver process typically runs with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user data, device configuration, and communication channels. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise mobile device management and consumer privacy protection initiatives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0406 require immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Android security updates addressing the underlying heap corruption issues in the libhevc library. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious media file types and content, particularly HEVC format files from untrusted sources. Mobile device management solutions should enforce strict application permissions and limit media processing capabilities for untrusted applications. Network administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious media file patterns and monitor for unusual media processing activities. Users should avoid downloading media content from untrusted sources and keep their Android devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for robust memory safety mechanisms in system-level components. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their mobile device environments and implement layered defense strategies to protect against similar media processing vulnerabilities. Regular security audits of media handling components and adherence to secure coding practices can help prevent similar heap-based vulnerabilities in future implementations.