CVE-2017-0488 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in Mediaserver could enable an attacker to use a specially crafted file to cause a device hang or reboot. This issue is rated as High severity due to the possibility of remote denial of service. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-34097213.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0488 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android mediaserver component that affects multiple versions including Android 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1. This issue resides in the media processing subsystem that handles various multimedia file formats and is part of the broader Android framework responsible for managing audio and video content. The mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and serves as a central hub for media processing activities across the Android operating system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt device functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the media processing pipeline, creating a pathway for maliciously crafted media files to trigger system instability. This weakness allows an attacker to exploit the mediaserver through specially constructed media files that can cause the device to hang or reboot unexpectedly, effectively rendering the device unusable until manual intervention occurs. The high severity rating reflects the remote exploitation potential and the widespread impact across the Android ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests when the mediaserver component processes malformed or specially crafted media files that contain malicious input sequences designed to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the processing routines. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The exploitation occurs through the standard media processing pathways where the system attempts to parse and decode media content without proper bounds checking or sanitization of input data. When the mediaserver encounters these crafted inputs, it fails to properly handle the malformed data structures, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in system instability and device reboot. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be executed remotely through various means such as malicious email attachments, download links, or compromised websites that deliver the malicious media files to vulnerable devices.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0488 extends beyond simple device disruption to encompass broader security implications for Android users and organizations. Device owners may experience unexpected service interruptions, loss of productivity, and potential data exposure during the reboot cycles. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Android devices are deployed for business operations, potentially disrupting critical workflows and communication systems. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability provides a straightforward method for conducting denial of service attacks against Android devices without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can target devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for mobile users who frequently connect to public networks or download content from untrusted sources. The widespread adoption of affected Android versions increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0488 focus primarily on timely patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android users should immediately update to patched versions of the operating system where available, as Google released security updates addressing this vulnerability through the regular Android security bulletin cycle. System administrators should prioritize patch management for enterprise devices and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include restricting media file downloads from untrusted sources, implementing application whitelisting for media processing applications, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious media file delivery patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and disable unnecessary media processing capabilities when not required. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, as the vulnerability allows attackers to gain control over system processes and potentially escalate privileges through the compromised mediaserver component. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the broader Android ecosystem.