CVE-2017-0469 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-33450635.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0469 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's mediaserver component, which serves as a core system service responsible for processing multimedia content. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread issue 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 system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management during media file processing, creating conditions where maliciously crafted media files can trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues.
The technical flaw manifests when the mediaserver processes specially crafted media files that contain malformed data structures or excessive data lengths. This memory corruption can occur during parsing operations for various media formats such as jpeg, png, mp4, or other multimedia containers. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, where the mediaserver attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfers, as the mediaserver processes these files automatically during normal user operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage system services to execute malicious code, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vector through service manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0469 is severe given that the mediaserver process runs with system-level privileges, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete device compromise without requiring user interaction. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the mediaserver service, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, installing malware, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote execution capability makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when users open or view malicious media files, even if they are simply browsing through their device's media gallery. This makes the attack surface extremely broad and difficult to control, as users may inadvertently trigger the exploit through normal device usage patterns. The Android ID A-33450635 indicates this was a well-documented issue within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system, highlighting the severity and widespread nature of the flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0469 primarily involve applying the relevant Android security patches and updates released by Google, which include memory safety improvements and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected Android devices receive the necessary security updates, particularly in enterprise environments where device management is more controlled. Network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection by preventing users from accessing potentially malicious media files through email, web browsing, or file sharing services. Security researchers and system administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual mediaserver behavior or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as critical by the National Vulnerability Database and its inclusion in Android security bulletins underscores the importance of proactive remediation measures. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping their devices updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability.