CVE-2017-0494 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in AOSP Messaging could enable a remote attacker using a special crafted file to access data outside of its permission levels. This issue is rated as Moderate because it could be used to access sensitive data without permission. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32764144.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0494 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android Open Source Project Messaging application, specifically affecting Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1. This issue resides in the underlying message handling mechanisms that process incoming multimedia messages and attachments, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access through specially crafted malicious files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the messaging framework, allowing remote attackers to exploit the system's file processing capabilities to read data beyond their intended permission boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of multimedia message attachments or specially crafted message content that triggers improper handling within the messaging application's processing pipeline. When the vulnerable application processes these malicious inputs, it fails to properly enforce access controls and boundary checks, enabling attackers to traverse file system permissions and access sensitive data that should be restricted to authorized users or applications. This flaw operates at the application level within the Android framework, leveraging weaknesses in how the system handles external data inputs and processes them without adequate sanitization or permission validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for Android users and organizations relying on the default messaging application. Attackers could potentially access personal messages, contact information, device storage contents, and other sensitive data that resides within the application's accessible memory space. The moderate severity rating reflects the potential for unauthorized data access without requiring local privileges or physical device access, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. The vulnerability affects all supported Android versions mentioned in the advisory, creating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0494 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as the vulnerability requires core system-level fixes to address the underlying permission enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should implement network-level monitoring to detect suspicious message patterns and consider temporary restrictions on multimedia message processing until full patches are deployed. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and control communications through messaging systems. Device administrators should also consider implementing mobile device management policies that restrict message processing capabilities and monitor for anomalous data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.