CVE-2017-0592 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in FLACExtractor.cpp in libstagefright 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: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-34970788.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0592 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright library's FLACExtractor component. This vulnerability resides in the Mediaserver process which serves as the core multimedia handling service for Android devices, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise mobile devices. The flaw manifests when the system processes specially crafted media files, particularly those utilizing the Free Lossless Audio Codec format, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Mediaserver process. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level without requiring user interaction or device compromise, enabling attackers to deliver malicious payloads through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the FLACExtractor.cpp file, which handles the parsing and extraction of audio data from FLAC format files. When the Mediaserver encounters a malformed FLAC file, the parsing logic fails to properly validate buffer boundaries and memory allocation, creating opportunities for heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted input data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution through stack manipulation, pointer corruption, or direct memory overwrite techniques. The vulnerability exists in multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0592 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the Android system context. Since the Mediaserver process typically runs with system-level privileges, successful exploitation can result in complete device compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain persistent access to devices, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, surveillance, or further escalation attacks against connected networks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that media files are commonly encountered through various legitimate channels, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as critical in the Android security advisory reflects its potential for widespread impact, as demonstrated by similar stagefright vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild, often through SMS-based attacks that require no user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0592 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates from Google, which addressed the memory corruption issues in the FLAC parsing logic. Organizations and individuals should prioritize applying the security patches released as part of Android security updates, particularly those addressing the Android ID A-34970788. Additionally, network-level defenses should include content filtering mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious media files, while endpoint protection solutions should monitor for anomalous behavior in the Mediaserver process. The vulnerability's exploitation characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Device administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual media processing activities that might indicate attempted exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may have not received the necessary updates, as the vulnerability affects a broad range of Android versions and devices.