CVE-2017-0542 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in libavc 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: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-33934721.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0542 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Mediaserver component that specifically targets the libavc library responsible for handling video processing operations. This vulnerability exists in Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread issue affecting a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The flaw manifests during the processing of media files when the Mediaserver component encounters specially crafted malicious input that triggers memory corruption conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the privileged Mediaserver process context, which typically has elevated system permissions and access to core multimedia functionalities. According to the Android security advisory A-33934721, this issue allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without requiring local access or user interaction, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the libavc library implementation, which fails to properly handle malformed video data structures during decoding operations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0542 occurs through a memory corruption vulnerability that specifically affects how the libavc library processes video frames and metadata within the Mediaserver framework. When a malicious video file is processed by the vulnerable system, the library's parsing routines fail to validate input parameters properly, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack vector typically involves sending a specially crafted video file to a target device through various means such as email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads, where the Mediaserver component automatically processes the media content. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further enhanced by the fact that it operates within the system's core multimedia processing pipeline, meaning that even simple media playback operations can trigger the malicious code execution sequence.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0542 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Since the vulnerability operates within the Mediaserver process context, successful exploitation can provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources that are typically restricted to regular applications. This includes potential access to device storage, camera functionality, microphone access, and other system-level capabilities that could be leveraged for surveillance or data theft operations. The vulnerability's classification as Critical by the Android security team reflects its severe implications for user privacy and device security, as it enables attackers to gain persistent control over affected devices without requiring any form of user interaction or authentication. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability fits well within the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, specifically targeting process injection and legitimate system binaries to establish persistent access. The vulnerability also maps to privilege escalation techniques within ATT&CK, as exploitation of the Mediaserver process can potentially lead to full system compromise due to the elevated permissions typically associated with system-level processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0542 primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include updates to the Mediaserver component and the libavc library to properly validate input parameters and prevent memory corruption conditions. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate deployment of the Android security updates, particularly for devices running Android 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1 versions. Additionally, network-level defenses should implement strict media file filtering and validation mechanisms to prevent potentially malicious content from reaching end-user devices. Mobile device management solutions should enforce security policies that restrict media processing capabilities where possible, and organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential attack surface. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, which aligns with industry best practices for secure coding standards. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of media processing components to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other multimedia libraries or frameworks within the Android ecosystem.