CVE-2017-0543 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-34097866.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0543 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Mediaserver component that leverages the libavc library for media processing operations. This vulnerability exists in Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases that were prevalent during the respective development cycles. The Mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and handles multimedia file processing tasks, creating a prime target for attackers seeking to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes specially crafted media files that trigger memory corruption during the decoding or rendering phases, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution within the privileged Mediaserver context.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the libavc library implementation, which is responsible for processing video content in the Android multimedia framework. When processing malformed or specially crafted media files, the library fails to properly validate input data structures, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through media processing channels. The flaw specifically impacts the Android multimedia framework's handling of video codecs, where the libavc library processes AVC/H.264 encoded content and fails to properly sanitize input parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0543 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution within the context of the privileged Mediaserver process. This elevated privilege level means that successful exploitation could result in complete device compromise, including access to user data, persistent backdoor installation, and potential escalation to full system control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various media file formats that users might encounter during normal device usage, including email attachments, web downloads, or media sharing applications. Attackers could potentially deliver malicious media files through social engineering campaigns, phishing attacks, or compromised websites, making this vulnerability particularly insidious. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network propagation and lateral movement within enterprise environments where Android devices are used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0543 primarily focus on immediate Android security updates and system patching, as Google released security bulletins addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management protocols to ensure timely deployment of security patches across all affected Android devices. Network-based mitigations can include media file filtering and content scanning to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files to devices. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of media processing applications that might be vulnerable to similar issues. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia frameworks and the necessity of input validation and memory safety mechanisms. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of downloading media content from untrusted sources and should regularly update their Android devices to protect against known vulnerabilities. This case demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in mobile operating systems, as the vulnerability was addressed through the Android Security Patch Level updates that specifically targeted this memory corruption flaw.