CVE-2017-0478 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Framesequence library could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code in 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 the Framesequence library. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33718716.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0478 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Framesequence library component of Android operating systems. This library is responsible for processing image sequence data and handling frame-based multimedia content, making it a crucial element in various Android applications and system components. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation and memory handling within the library's parsing routines, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted files that trigger unexpected behavior in the affected systems.
Technical analysis reveals that the flaw manifests through a buffer overflow condition in the Framesequence library's handling of malformed image sequence files. When an application processes a crafted file containing maliciously constructed frame data, the library fails to properly validate the input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, indicating a broad impact across multiple Android release lines. The issue is classified under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire Android devices through applications that utilize the Framesequence library. Since the exploit can be triggered remotely via malicious file delivery, attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user data, install malicious applications, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability's high severity rating reflects the ease with which remote attackers can exploit this condition without requiring elevated privileges, as the malicious code executes within the context of unprivileged processes. This makes it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently download content from untrusted sources and applications may automatically process multimedia files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0478 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management procedures. Android users and administrators should prioritize applying the security patches released by Google, which include fixes to the Framesequence library and related components. Organizations should implement network-level controls to block suspicious file downloads and employ mobile device management solutions to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected devices. Additionally, application developers should review their code to identify and remove any direct dependencies on the vulnerable Framesequence library or implement additional input validation layers to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust input validation and boundary checking to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions.