CVE-2017-0472 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-33862021.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0472 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's mediaserver component, which serves as the central media processing daemon responsible for handling 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 is responsible for processing various media formats including audio, video, and image files, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during media file processing, where an attacker can craft malicious media files that trigger memory corruption when processed by the vulnerable system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and memory management within the mediaserver's media processing pipeline. When the system attempts to parse and process specially crafted media files, the memory corruption occurs due to inadequate bounds checking and buffer overflow protection mechanisms. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the mediaserver process, which runs with system-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from the fact that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or physical access to the device. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or media files shared via messaging applications, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0472 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further system compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially escalate privileges, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, and even modify system files. The mediaserver process typically runs with elevated permissions, which means that successful exploitation can lead to full device compromise and persistent access. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions, both of which are relevant to the memory corruption aspects of this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0472 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android users and administrators should prioritize applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates, particularly the Android Security Bulletin for April 2017. The vulnerability requires immediate attention due to its critical severity rating and the availability of exploit code in public repositories. Organizations should implement network-based controls to monitor for suspicious media file downloads and enforce strict content filtering policies for multimedia attachments. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of untrusted media processing applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar memory corruption issues in other system components. Security teams should monitor threat intelligence feeds for any exploitation attempts and consider implementing behavioral analytics to detect anomalous media processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce regressions in media processing functionality while maintaining the security improvements.