CVE-2017-0497 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 Moderate because it requires an uncommon device configuration. Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33300701.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0497 represents a denial of service flaw within the Android mediaserver component that affects versions 7.0 and 7.1.1. This issue resides in the multimedia processing subsystem responsible for handling various media file formats and streaming operations. The mediaserver process operates as a critical system service that manages audio and video playback functionality across Android devices, making it a potential target for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the media processing pipeline, particularly when handling specially crafted media files that contain malformed or unexpected data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious media file that triggers improper memory handling or buffer management within the mediaserver process. When the system attempts to process this crafted file, the mediaserver encounters an unexpected condition that causes it to either enter an infinite loop, consume excessive memory resources, or experience a critical processing error that results in system instability. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android multimedia framework and leverages the underlying media processing libraries that handle various codecs and file formats. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-129 weakness, representing an improper input validation issue where the system fails to properly validate the boundaries of input data. The attack vector typically involves delivery of the malicious file through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms, where the user's device automatically attempts to preview or process the media content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise device availability and user productivity. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause complete device hang or forced reboot, effectively rendering the device temporarily unusable until manual restart occurs. This denial of service condition can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where device reliability is crucial, or in scenarios where users depend on continuous device availability for work or personal communications. The moderate severity rating reflects the requirement for specific conditions to be met for exploitation, including the need for an attacker to deliver a crafted media file that will be processed by the vulnerable mediaserver component. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which describes the use of denial of service attacks to disrupt system availability, and demonstrates how adversaries may leverage system-level vulnerabilities to achieve operational disruption objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0497 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce exposure risk. The primary remediation involves applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include enhanced input validation routines and improved error handling within the mediaserver component. Organizations should implement proactive security measures such as media file scanning and validation before processing, particularly for files received from untrusted sources. Network-level controls can be deployed to filter potentially malicious media content at the perimeter, while endpoint security solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual mediaserver process behavior. System administrators should consider implementing device management policies that restrict automatic media preview functionality and enforce strict file type validation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how seemingly isolated system components can create widespread availability issues when exploited, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in mobile operating systems.