CVE-2017-0663 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in libxml2 could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of an unprivileged process. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote code execution in an application that uses this library. 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-37104170.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0663 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libxml2 library, which serves as a fundamental XML parsing component across numerous software applications and operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions ranging from 4.4.4 through 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern for mobile device security. The issue stems from improper handling of malformed XML data structures that can trigger memory corruption during parsing operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted XML files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, indicating that the flaw occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. This particular weakness allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program execution elements, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of unprivileged processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of Android's security model by allowing attackers to execute malicious code without requiring elevated privileges. When an application utilizing libxml2 processes a specially crafted XML file, the vulnerability can be triggered through seemingly benign file operations, making detection and prevention extremely challenging. The attack surface is particularly broad since libxml2 is integrated into numerous Android applications and system components, including web browsers, email clients, and document viewers that process XML content. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability through network-based delivery mechanisms such as malicious websites, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring physical device access or user interaction beyond normal application usage. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the application context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0663 primarily focus on immediate system updates and application-level defenses to prevent exploitation. Android device users must install the latest security patches released by Google, which include updated versions of libxml2 that address the memory corruption issues. System administrators should implement network-based filtering mechanisms to block suspicious XML content and consider sandboxing applications that process external XML data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify applications that may be vulnerable to similar XML parsing issues, as the underlying architectural flaws in libxml2 can create cascading effects across interconnected systems. Additionally, implementing runtime application self-protection measures and memory protection techniques such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can significantly reduce the exploitation success rate even when the underlying vulnerability remains unpatched.