CVE-2017-0473 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-33982658.
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-2017-0473 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's mediaserver component, which serves as the central media processing daemon responsible for handling multimedia file operations 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 release lines. The mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and is tasked with processing various media formats including audio, video, and image files, creating a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during media file processing operations, where an attacker can craft a malicious media file that triggers memory corruption when processed by the mediaserver. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and interpretation of media data structures, leading to potential buffer overflows or other memory manipulation issues that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory segments and redirect program execution flow. The flaw specifically manifests when the mediaserver processes crafted media files, exploiting weaknesses in input validation and memory management routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve remote code execution within the context of the mediaserver process, which typically runs with system-level privileges. This means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various media file types including images, audio, and video files, making it exploitable through multiple attack vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or malicious messaging applications. The critical rating reflects the ease of exploitation and the potential for widespread system compromise across affected Android versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0473 primarily focus on timely patching and system updates, as Google released security updates for affected Android versions that addressed the memory corruption issues in the mediaserver component. Organizations and users should immediately apply the relevant security patches from Google's Android security bulletins, which include fixes for the specific buffer overflow conditions that enable this vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media file attachments, employing mobile device management solutions that enforce security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of media processing applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the need for layered security approaches including application whitelisting, process monitoring, and network traffic analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in multimedia processing components, aligning with security standards that emphasize proper memory management and bounds checking in system-level applications.