CVE-2017-0671 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android libraries. Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4. Android ID: A-34514762.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0671 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Android's core libraries, specifically affecting Android version 4.4.4. This vulnerability resides in the system's handling of certain multimedia processing functions that are integral to the operating system's media framework. The Android ID A-34514762 indicates this issue was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, highlighting its significance in the Android security ecosystem. The flaw manifests in the way Android processes specific media files, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without requiring physical access or user interaction.
The technical root cause of CVE-2017-0671 stems from improper input validation within the Android media libraries, particularly in the handling of malformed multimedia data structures. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and potentially execute malicious code. The flaw occurs during the parsing of specific media file formats, where the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data before processing. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed media files that trigger the buffer overflow condition, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected media processing service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire Android devices running the affected version. The vulnerability affects the system's media framework components that are frequently accessed during normal device operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media files shared through social platforms. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to devices, nor do they need users to perform specific actions beyond normal media consumption. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to scale their attacks across large populations of Android users.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the remote code execution capability enables attackers to deploy malicious payloads and establish persistent access to compromised devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it suitable for automated attack campaigns that can propagate across networks without human intervention. Organizations and individuals using Android 4.4.4 systems face significant risk, as the vulnerability affects a substantial portion of the Android user base that had not yet migrated to more secure versions. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete device compromise, data theft, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0671 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security releases. Users should ensure their Android devices are updated to the latest security patches available through Google Play Store or direct firmware updates. System administrators should implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious media file downloads, particularly from untrusted sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically deploy security updates and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running outdated software versions that may contain known vulnerabilities.