CVE-2017-0637 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-34064500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0637 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libhevc library component of Android's Mediaserver service. This issue stems from inadequate input validation during the processing of HEVC (H.265) video files, creating a memory corruption condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability affects 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 particularly dangerous as it impacts a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The Mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could grant attackers full control over the affected device.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking and memory management within the HEVC decoder implementation. When processing specially crafted HEVC video files, the libhevc library fails to properly validate the structure and content of the encoded data, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the Mediaserver context. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which is a common attack vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and is frequently targeted by threat actors seeking to exploit mobile device vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0637 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of device security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through malicious media files delivered via email, messaging applications, or compromised websites, requiring no user interaction beyond opening the malicious content. The exploitation process typically follows the ATT&CK framework pattern for mobile device exploitation, beginning with initial access through media file manipulation and progressing toward privilege escalation within the Mediaserver process. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) within the mobile threat landscape. The affected Mediaserver process operates with system-level privileges, making successful exploitation equivalent to achieving complete device compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0637 require immediate patch deployment from Google as part of the Android security updates, specifically targeting the libhevc library and Mediaserver service. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as media file filtering and content inspection systems that can detect and block malicious HEVC files before they reach end-user devices. Device administrators should enforce strict update policies and ensure all Android devices receive security patches promptly. Additionally, users should avoid opening media files from untrusted sources and maintain current Android versions through regular security updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and implement layered security controls including mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and provide real-time monitoring for exploitation attempts.