CVE-2017-0471 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-33816782.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0471 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Mediaserver component that processes multimedia files and data streams. This vulnerability exists in 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 formats including audio, video, and image files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to Android devices. The vulnerability specifically manifests during media file processing when the system encounters specially crafted malicious files that trigger memory corruption issues. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring user interaction, making it a significant threat vector for attackers who can deliver malicious media content through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Mediaserver component processes malformed media files that contain crafted data structures designed to overflow memory buffers or corrupt memory management structures. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution within the privileged context of the Mediaserver process, which typically runs with system-level privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the Mediaserver service handles media processing for numerous Android applications, including the system's built-in media players, camera applications, and third-party media handling components. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious media files that, when processed by the vulnerable Mediaserver, cause memory corruption leading to code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which involves the use of exploit for privilege escalation, and T1203, representing exploitation of remote services. The specific attack pattern involves initial access through media file delivery followed by privilege escalation through the Mediaserver's elevated execution context, potentially allowing attackers to gain full device control.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0471 extends far beyond individual device compromise, as it represents a foundational security weakness that affects millions of Android devices globally. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target devices without physical access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected applications downloaded from unofficial app stores. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK's T1190 category for exploitation of remote services, where attackers leverage system weaknesses to gain unauthorized access. Organizations using affected Android versions face significant risk of data breaches, as the compromised devices can serve as entry points for more extensive attacks on corporate networks. The vulnerability also impacts the Android security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, as the Mediaserver process executes with elevated permissions that can be abused to perform system-level operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0471 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which were released by Google to address the specific memory corruption issues in the Mediaserver component. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation and remains active in unpatched systems. Additional mitigations include implementing network-level controls to filter potentially malicious media files, disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities on affected devices, and employing mobile device management solutions to enforce security policies. Security teams should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as well as implementing robust monitoring for suspicious media file processing activities. The vulnerability's classification as a critical risk by the National Vulnerability Database highlights the urgency of remediation efforts, and organizations should treat this vulnerability as a high-priority security concern requiring immediate attention. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure risks, particularly in environments where legacy Android versions may still be in use. Furthermore, security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of downloading media content from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability can be exploited through seemingly benign media file delivery mechanisms.