CVE-2017-0551 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote denial of service vulnerability in libavc in Mediaserver could enable an attacker to use a specially crafted file to cause a device hang or reboot. This issue is rated as High severity due to the possibility of remote denial of service. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-34097231.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0551 represents a critical remote denial of service flaw within the Android Mediaserver component, specifically affecting the libavc library responsible for handling video codec operations. This issue manifests when the system processes specially crafted media files that exploit memory management weaknesses in the video decoding pipeline, leading to system instability and potential device-wide shutdowns. The vulnerability resides in the Android framework's multimedia processing capabilities, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's video processing subsystem through crafted media content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of video codec parameters within media files that are processed by the libavc library. When the Mediaserver attempts to decode maliciously constructed video content, the library fails to properly validate input parameters, resulting in memory corruption or buffer overflow conditions that cause the system to become unresponsive or reboot. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android multimedia framework, leveraging the underlying hardware acceleration mechanisms that are commonly used for video processing. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media files shared through communication channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0551 extends beyond simple system disruption, as it can be weaponized to create persistent denial of service conditions that compromise device availability and user productivity. Attackers can remotely force devices into reboot cycles or complete system hangs, effectively rendering them unusable for extended periods. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, indicating a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem. The high severity rating reflects the potential for mass impact, as any device running these vulnerable Android versions could be compromised through simple media file manipulation. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for additional attack vectors, as system instability can potentially be leveraged to facilitate more complex exploitation techniques or to mask other malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files, particularly those with video content from untrusted sources. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict media processing capabilities and reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for remote code execution through system service manipulation. Device manufacturers and security teams should prioritize this vulnerability in their remediation schedules, as the combination of remote exploitability and high severity makes it a significant risk to device availability and user experience. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in media file processing that could indicate exploitation attempts.