CVE-2017-0495 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in Mediaserver could enable a local malicious application 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-33552073.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0495 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android mediaserver component that operates as a privileged system service responsible for handling media file operations and processing. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, where the mediaserver process runs with elevated privileges and maintains access to various system resources and user data. The flaw stems from improper access control mechanisms within the mediaserver's implementation, allowing local malicious applications to exploit weaknesses in the permission model and gain unauthorized access to data that should be restricted to specific applications or system processes. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a malicious application can leverage the mediaserver's elevated permissions to access sensitive information beyond its normal operational boundaries. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically targeting improper access control in system services, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through system service exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the mediaserver's handling of media file processing operations where it fails to properly validate or restrict access to underlying system resources and data structures. When a malicious application interacts with the mediaserver through legitimate system interfaces, the vulnerability allows for information leakage through improper data handling mechanisms that do not adequately enforce permission boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when the mediaserver processes media files or handles system calls that should normally be restricted to system-level operations, but instead exposes sensitive data through memory access patterns or file descriptor handling that bypasses normal access controls. This creates a scenario where local applications can potentially access system logs, user data, configuration files, or other sensitive information that should be protected by Android's security model. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because the mediaserver operates with high privileges and has access to various system resources that are typically protected from normal application access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0495 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables a local attacker to potentially access sensitive user data, system configurations, and potentially system credentials that could be used for further exploitation. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where malicious applications are already present on the device or where users may inadvertently install compromised applications. The information accessed through this vulnerability could include personal data, application-specific information, system logs, or other sensitive content that could be valuable for identity theft, financial fraud, or further system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the device's configuration, user activities, or other sensitive information that could be used in more sophisticated attacks. The moderate severity rating reflects the potential for significant data exposure without requiring external network access or complex attack vectors, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. This vulnerability directly impacts Android's security model by undermining the principle of least privilege and allowing unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0495 focus primarily on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the specific access control flaws in the mediaserver implementation. Organizations and users should immediately update to Android versions that contain the patched mediaserver component, typically Android 7.1.2 or later, which resolves the improper access control mechanisms that enable this information disclosure. System administrators should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized applications that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual mediaserver activity or access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper system hardening practices, as it demonstrates how system services with elevated privileges can become attack vectors when access controls are improperly implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation opportunities. The remediation process should include verification that the patched mediaserver component properly enforces access controls and that no unauthorized data access patterns remain possible through the system service interfaces.