CVE-2017-0591 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, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-34097672.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0591 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android Mediaserver component, specifically affecting the libavc library responsible for handling media file processing. This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during the decoding and processing of specially crafted media files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the privileged Mediaserver process context. The issue impacts multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as critical reflects the severe implications of successful exploitation, as the Mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and handles multimedia content from various sources.
The technical flaw manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when the libavc library processes malformed media files containing crafted data structures. This memory corruption typically results from insufficient bounds checking and improper input validation during the parsing of video codec data, particularly within the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) format handling mechanisms. The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how the library manages memory allocation and deallocation during media processing, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and potentially overwrite critical program data or execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and CWE-122, "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" categories, representing common memory corruption patterns that lead to remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a powerful attack vector through media file delivery. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a maliciously crafted media file via email, messaging applications, or by hosting it on web servers, where users might inadvertently trigger the processing through the Mediaserver component. The exploitation occurs during normal media playback or processing operations, making detection difficult and the attack surface broad. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, as the Mediaserver process typically runs with system-level privileges and has access to various system resources and APIs. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', and T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation", as it enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges through remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0591 require immediate system updates and patches from Google, as the vulnerability affects core Android components that cannot be easily patched through third-party applications. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized media file delivery and consider sandboxing media processing applications. The recommended approach includes deploying the latest Android security patches, which address the memory corruption issues in the libavc library through improved input validation and memory management practices. Additionally, users should avoid opening media files from untrusted sources and maintain updated security software that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and memory safety mechanisms in system components that process external data.