CVE-2017-0539 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in libhevc in Mediaserver could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to cause memory corruption during media file and data processing. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of remote code execution within the context of the Mediaserver process. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33864300.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0539 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libhevc library component of Android's Mediaserver process. This issue specifically affects Android versions 5.0.2 through 7.1.1, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android release lines. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video files during processing, creating a memory corruption condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The Mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges within the Android framework, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is a common class of memory safety issues that can result in arbitrary code execution when attacker-controlled data overflows allocated memory regions. The attack vector involves sending a specially crafted HEVC video file to a target device, which when processed by the vulnerable Mediaserver component triggers the memory corruption. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code within the compromised process context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the libhevc library's insufficient validation of input parameters during HEVC video decoding operations. When processing malformed HEVC streams, the library fails to properly bounds-check data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory regions. The heap-based buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of video frame headers or metadata, where attacker-controlled values can cause pointer arithmetic to exceed allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can result in stack smashing, heap corruption, or pointer overwrite conditions that allow attackers to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since it can be triggered automatically when media files are processed by the system, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios involving email attachments, web downloads, or media sharing applications. The impact is amplified by the fact that the Mediaserver process runs with system-level privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access beyond the initial compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0539 extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of Android device security. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected device, potentially accessing sensitive user data, installing malicious applications, or using the device as a pivot point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects its potential for widespread exploitation across all affected Android versions, making it a prime target for zero-day attacks. The memory corruption characteristics of this vulnerability mean that exploitation can be highly reliable, as the conditions for triggering the heap overflow are well-understood and predictable. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices in multimedia libraries, which are often overlooked during security reviews due to their specialized nature. The attack surface is extensive since many Android applications and services utilize the Mediaserver component for media processing, including email clients, messaging applications, web browsers, and media playback systems. This widespread usage increases the probability of successful exploitation in real-world scenarios, as attackers need only find a single vulnerable application that processes media files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0539 focus primarily on applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google. The vulnerability was addressed through Android Security Bulletin updates that included fixes to the libhevc library and Mediaserver component. Organizations and users should immediately apply the latest security updates to all affected Android devices, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited. Network-level protections can include filtering HEVC video content at firewalls or proxies, though this approach is not foolproof as attackers can obfuscate malicious files. Device administrators should implement robust mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for suspicious media processing activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments for multimedia libraries and the need for comprehensive input validation in system components. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the need for security researchers and vendors to collaborate on vulnerability disclosure and patching processes to minimize the window of exposure for critical vulnerabilities like this one.