CVE-2017-0466 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. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33139050.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0466 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android mediaserver component that processes multimedia files and data. This issue resides in the Android operating system's media processing framework where the mediaserver service handles various multimedia formats including audio and video files. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling during the processing of specially crafted media files, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious code that can execute with the privileges of the mediaserver process. The mediaserver service operates with elevated privileges within the Android security model, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially compromise the entire device.
The technical flaw manifests through memory corruption during media file processing operations, specifically when the mediaserver attempts to parse and handle malformed or specially crafted media content. This memory corruption occurs due to inadequate bounds checking and buffer overflow protection mechanisms within the media decoding libraries. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious media files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications that leverage the Android media processing pipeline. The vulnerability affects Android versions 6.0 through 7.1.1, encompassing a significant portion of the Android ecosystem during that time period. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can create remote code execution opportunities in system-level components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0466 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold within Android devices that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the mediaserver process, which typically has access to various system resources and can potentially escalate privileges to gain full device control. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered automatically when users open or view malicious media files, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by attacks that require no user interaction beyond normal media consumption. This vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation involves executing malicious code through the media processing pipeline, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since the mediaserver process typically runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0466 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as Google released patches for affected Android versions to address the memory corruption issues in the mediaserver component. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to the latest security patches, particularly those running Android 6.0 through 7.1.1 versions. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media file downloads, using mobile device management solutions to enforce security policies, and educating users about the risks of opening untrusted media files from unknown sources. Network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing and monitoring for unusual media file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and memory safety mechanisms in multimedia processing frameworks. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain awareness of potential exploitation attempts targeting the mediaserver component through various attack vectors.