CVE-2017-0470 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-33818500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0470 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 resides in the media processing framework that handles various file formats including audio, video, and image files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise Android devices at scale. The issue manifests when the mediaserver process encounters specially crafted media files that trigger memory corruption during normal processing operations, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the privileged context of the media server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the mediaserver's media file parsing routines. When processing maliciously crafted media files, the system fails to properly validate buffer boundaries and memory allocation parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory structures or execute arbitrary code. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android media framework, specifically targeting the mediaserver daemon that runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the mediaserver process, which typically has access to sensitive system resources and can potentially escalate to full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0470 extends far beyond individual device compromise, as it affects multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, representing a significant attack surface across the Android ecosystem. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files distributed via social engineering campaigns. The remote nature of the exploit means that victims need not interact with malicious content directly, as the vulnerability can be triggered automatically during media file processing, such as when viewing images in a gallery application or playing audio files through media players. This characteristic aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" and "Command and Control" activities.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" conditions, and it demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to critical system compromise. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects the ease with which attackers can achieve remote code execution without requiring physical access to devices or sophisticated exploitation techniques. The Android security team identified this issue through internal testing and code review processes, assigning it the internal tracking ID A-33818500, which indicates the severity and urgency of the fix required. Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability must implement immediate mitigations including applying security patches, disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities, and implementing network-based protections to prevent exploitation attempts.
The remediation approach for CVE-2017-0470 required comprehensive patching of the Android framework, specifically addressing the memory handling routines within the mediaserver component. Google released security updates for affected Android versions that included proper input validation, memory boundary checks, and improved error handling within the media processing pipeline. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices receive the appropriate security updates and consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically deploy patches and monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments within mobile operating system frameworks, particularly in components that handle untrusted input data from various sources.