CVE-2017-0409 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in libstagefright could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code in the context of an unprivileged process. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote code execution in an application that uses this library. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-31999646.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0409 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libstagefright library, which serves as a core multimedia processing component in Android operating systems. This library handles the decoding and processing of various multimedia formats including mp4, 3gp, and other container formats, making it a fundamental part of Android's media framework. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling within the stagefright component, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application process. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability through crafted multimedia files delivered via various attack vectors such as email attachments, text messages, or malicious websites, without requiring user interaction or device compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of malformed multimedia files within the libstagefright library. When an application processes a specially crafted file, the library fails to properly validate the input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption allows attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and inject their own code into the target process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and the attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw exists in the way the library handles certain header fields and data structures, particularly in the parsing of mp4 file metadata, where the length field is not properly validated against the actual data size, creating a window for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0409 is severe and far-reaching across the Android ecosystem, as it affects multiple versions including Android 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, representing a significant portion of devices in the field at the time of discovery. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous for users who may inadvertently encounter malicious content while browsing the web or receiving multimedia messages. Since the exploit operates within the context of an unprivileged process, attackers can leverage this to escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive device data. The attack surface is extensive because many Android applications utilize libstagefright for multimedia processing, including messaging applications, web browsers, and media players. This vulnerability has been extensively documented in security advisories and has been used in various exploit kits and malware campaigns, demonstrating its practical utility for attackers seeking to compromise Android devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0409 focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures to protect against exploitation. Android security patches released by Google addressed the vulnerability through improved input validation and memory handling within the libstagefright library, requiring users to update their devices to the latest security releases. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious multimedia content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in multimedia processing libraries where untrusted data is routinely parsed and processed. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network detection measures to identify suspicious traffic patterns associated with the vulnerability. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should enforce automatic security updates and maintain inventory tracking of vulnerable Android versions to ensure comprehensive protection across enterprise environments. The remediation process requires careful consideration of application compatibility and system stability, as updates to the multimedia framework may impact existing applications that depend on specific behaviors of the vulnerable library.