CVE-2017-0407 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-32873375.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0407 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android mediaserver component that specifically targets the libhevc library responsible for processing high efficiency video coding content. This weakness arises from inadequate input validation and memory handling during the processing of specially crafted media files, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the mediaserver process. The vulnerability exists in Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these operating system versions across various mobile devices and embedded systems. The mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges to handle multimedia operations, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could lead to complete system compromise without user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a heap-based buffer overflow condition within the libhevc library's video decoding routines. When processing malformed HEVC video streams, the library fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer. The flaw is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through legitimate media processing operations, meaning that simply opening or playing a maliciously crafted video file could result in remote code execution. The attack vector requires no user interaction, making it a prime candidate for automated exploitation campaigns and zero-day attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0407 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Since the mediaserver process runs with system-level privileges, successful exploitation provides attackers with unrestricted access to device resources, including the ability to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, modify system files, and establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as attackers can leverage the compromised mediaserver to gain broader system access. The vulnerability affects not only individual user devices but also enterprise environments where Android devices are commonly deployed, potentially providing attackers with access to corporate networks through compromised endpoints. Organizations using affected Android versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive information or serve as gateways to critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0407 focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures to reduce attack surface and prevent exploitation. Google released security patches for affected Android versions that address the underlying buffer overflow in the libhevc library, requiring device manufacturers to implement these updates promptly. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where device management is centralized. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media content, disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities, and monitoring for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security policies and monitor for vulnerable device configurations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed remediation efforts in mobile environments.