CVE-2017-0424 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in AOSP Messaging could enable a remote attacker using a special crafted file to access data outside of its permission levels. This issue is rated as Moderate because it is a general bypass for a user level defense in depth or exploit mitigation technology in a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32322450.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0424 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android Open Source Project messaging application that undermines the fundamental security boundaries designed to protect user data. This weakness exists in the Android messaging framework and affects versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases that were widely deployed in enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the messaging application's handling of specially crafted files, allowing attackers to bypass normal permission restrictions that should prevent unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the messaging application processes external file inputs, particularly multimedia messages or attachments that contain maliciously constructed data structures. Attackers can craft specific file formats that exploit buffer overread conditions or improper memory management within the messaging service, enabling them to traverse file system boundaries and access data that should normally be restricted to the application's sandboxed environment. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which describes improper information disclosure, and represents a classic example of how insufficient validation can lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. The flaw operates at the application level within a privileged process, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially access sensitive user data, contact information, SMS logs, and other personal communications stored on the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0424 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a bypass of the standard Android security model that relies on application sandboxing and permission-based access controls. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to access data that should be protected by the operating system's security mechanisms, potentially enabling reconnaissance activities, data theft, or further attack vectors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that messaging applications are frequently targeted due to their widespread use and the nature of the data they handle. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security framework's defense-in-depth principles, as it undermines the isolation between different application processes and user data containers. The issue is classified as moderate severity but carries significant risk because it operates within a privileged process context, making it a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks that could lead to full device compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should implement network-based controls to monitor for suspicious messaging activity and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce additional security policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle external data inputs. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any custom messaging applications that might be susceptible to similar flaws, as this represents a broader class of issues affecting Android's messaging infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when used as part of a broader attack chain, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that go beyond simple patch management to include behavioral monitoring and user education initiatives.