CVE-2017-0674 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-34231163.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0674 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system including android 6.0 and its subsequent releases up to 7.1.2. This vulnerability resides in the way the media framework processes media files, specifically in the handling of certain media containers that can trigger buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the media processing libraries that are integral to android's multimedia subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specially crafted media files that when processed by the affected android versions can cause memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that occurs in the media framework's parsing routines, specifically when handling malformed media container formats. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious media content through various channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or messaging applications that automatically process media files.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0674 is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected android devices without requiring user interaction or physical access. This means that simply opening or processing a malicious media file can result in complete system compromise, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or further exploitation of the device. The vulnerability affects the core media processing functionality that is present in all versions mentioned, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a wide range of devices and applications that depend on android's media framework. The attack surface is extensive since media processing occurs across multiple applications including email clients, web browsers, messaging apps, and social media platforms that automatically handle multimedia content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching through official android security updates provided by google and device manufacturers. The vulnerability affects the system-level media framework components, making it essential for organizations to ensure timely deployment of security patches across all affected devices. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious media content and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to avoid potential compatibility issues with existing applications. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources and organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing to limit potential damage from exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute commands on compromised devices.