CVE-2017-0540 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-33966031.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0540 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libhevc library component of Android's Mediaserver process. This issue specifically targets the HEVC (H.265) video codec processing functionality that is integral to Android's multimedia framework. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management during the processing of specially crafted HEVC media files, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The affected Android versions span from 5.0.2 through 7.1.1, indicating a broad impact across multiple generations of the Android operating system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the core media processing framework that handles multimedia content across various applications and system components, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise Android devices.
The technical flaw manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs during the parsing and decoding of HEVC video streams within the libhevc library. When a specially crafted HEVC file is processed by Mediaserver, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate memory structures through malformed input data, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. The underlying issue stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory allocation practices within the codec implementation, particularly in how the library handles specific HEVC frame structures and metadata. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Mediaserver process, which typically runs with system-level privileges and has access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, representing a common class of memory safety issues that can be exploited for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0540 extends far beyond simple media processing failures, as it provides attackers with a powerful vector for system compromise. Since Mediaserver operates with elevated privileges and processes media content from various sources including email attachments, web downloads, and file transfers, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability through multiple attack vectors. The remote code execution capability means that adversaries could potentially install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised devices without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond triggering the vulnerable media processing. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could lead to arbitrary command execution within the system context. The critical rating reflects the severity of potential impact, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise and data theft across all affected Android versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0540 focus primarily on applying the relevant Android security patches and updates released by Google. Users should immediately update their Android devices to versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, typically Android 7.1.1 and later releases. System administrators should prioritize patching mobile devices within their organization and implement network-based controls to restrict access to potentially malicious media files. Additional protective measures include enabling automatic security updates, using mobile device management solutions to enforce patch compliance, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in multimedia processing libraries, as highlighted by CWE-707 and CWE-122 standards for secure memory management. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing and monitoring for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of mobile device configurations and network traffic analysis can help detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.