CVE-2017-0477 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in libgdx could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of an unprivileged process. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote code execution in an application that uses this library. Product: Android. Versions: 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33621647.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0477 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libgdx library, a popular cross-platform game development framework that powers numerous Android applications. This weakness specifically affects Android version 7.1.1 and manifests when applications utilizing libgdx process specially crafted files, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of unprivileged processes. The vulnerability's classification as High severity underscores its potential to compromise application security and user data, particularly given libgdx's widespread adoption across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the library's file processing routines, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted and executed without proper sanitization.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file parsing functions within libgdx's resource handling components. When an application loads a maliciously crafted file, the library's insufficient validation routines fail to detect potentially harmful code sequences embedded within the file structure. This flaw typically resides in the library's handling of image or audio file formats that libgdx supports, where attackers can craft files that contain embedded malicious code or exploit memory corruption patterns during parsing. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through various attack vectors including malicious downloads, compromised websites, or file sharing platforms without requiring local access to the target device. The unprivileged execution context limitation suggests that while the code runs with standard user permissions rather than elevated privileges, the potential for further escalation remains significant.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0477 extends beyond individual application compromise to potentially affect entire user bases across applications leveraging libgdx. Given that this library is used in numerous commercial and open source applications, a successful exploit could result in widespread code execution across multiple platforms simultaneously. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal user credentials, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within affected applications. The vulnerability's presence in Android 7.1.1 specifically indicates that users of this operating system version face heightened risk, particularly when using applications that depend on libgdx for multimedia processing. This creates a significant concern for application developers who may unknowingly distribute vulnerable code to their users, and for end-users who may be exposed to malicious content through legitimate application channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected libgdx versions and implementation of input validation measures within applications. Security professionals should conduct comprehensive audits of applications using libgdx to identify potential exposure points and ensure proper file validation routines are in place. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of libgdx, implementing strict file format validation, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as content filtering and application whitelisting to prevent the execution of malicious files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices and memory access violations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The remediation process should involve thorough testing of patched libraries to ensure compatibility while maintaining security posture, as well as implementing monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.