CVE-2017-0467 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-33250932.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0467 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's mediaserver component, which serves as a central processing hub for multimedia content across the operating system. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases. The mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and handles various media file formats including images, audio, and video, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges within the Android environment.
The technical flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs during the processing of specially crafted media files, particularly those containing malformed or maliciously constructed data. This memory corruption vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the mediaserver process in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution, effectively enabling remote compromise of the affected Android devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the media processing pipeline, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the mediaserver process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to execute code on affected devices without requiring any user interaction or physical access. This means that simply opening a maliciously crafted media file or visiting a compromised website could result in complete device compromise. The mediaserver process typically runs with system-level privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for device security. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors on the compromised devices.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway follows common attack patterns where initial access is gained through media file processing, followed by privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, implementing network-based filtering of suspicious media files, and monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns. The Android security team addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive code reviews and memory safety improvements in the mediaserver component, emphasizing the importance of robust input validation and proper memory management practices in system-level components.