CVE-2017-0589 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, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-34897036.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0589 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Mediaserver component, specifically affecting the libhevc library responsible for processing HEVC (H.265) video content. This vulnerability exists in multiple Android versions including 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The flaw manifests when the Mediaserver process handles specially crafted HEVC media files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Mediaserver process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the libhevc library implementation. When processing maliciously crafted HEVC video files, the library fails to properly validate the structure and content of the encoded data, resulting in buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Mediaserver process, which runs with elevated privileges and has access to system resources, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow, both of which are fundamental memory corruption weaknesses that enable arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0589 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further system compromise. Since the Mediaserver process operates with significant system privileges, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to devices or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. Attackers could deliver malicious HEVC files through various vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or file sharing services, making this vulnerability highly accessible for exploitation. The impact affects all Android devices running the affected versions, creating a massive attack surface across mobile platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0589 primarily focus on prompt patching and system updates as provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations and individuals should immediately install the security patches released in Android Security Bulletins for 2017, which address the memory corruption issues in libhevc. Additionally, network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can help reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking potentially malicious media files. Device administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict media processing applications and monitor for unusual network activity. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other multimedia processing components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.