CVE-2017-0675 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-34779227.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0675 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions including Android 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2. This vulnerability resides in the media framework's handling of malformed media files and specifically impacts the stagefright component that processes multimedia content. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices simply by sending a specially crafted media file, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction or device compromise beyond the initial delivery of the malicious content. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the media processing pipeline, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute malicious code with the privileges of the media framework process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when the Android media framework processes certain malformed MP4 files. The flaw manifests during the parsing of movie fragment random access metadata structures, where the framework fails to properly validate the size of data structures before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This improper bounds checking creates a condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a common class of memory safety issues that can be exploited to gain control over program execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or SMS messages containing multimedia content, making it a prime target for mass deployment attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0675 extends beyond individual device compromise to represent a significant threat to Android ecosystem security and user privacy. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to device resources, potentially enabling data theft, persistent surveillance, or further exploitation of the device. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can compromise devices without physical access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users frequently receive multimedia content from untrusted sources. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors on affected devices, allowing for long-term access to user data and device functionality. The widespread adoption of affected Android versions means that a large number of devices were potentially vulnerable, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0675 primarily focus on timely patch deployment and system hardening measures. Google released security updates for affected Android versions that addressed the buffer overflow issue through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches and ensure all devices are updated to the latest Android security releases. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level filtering to block suspicious multimedia content, enabling automatic security updates, and conducting regular security assessments of mobile device management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in mobile operating systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Network administrators should consider implementing mobile device security policies that enforce regular updates and restrict the processing of untrusted multimedia content. The incident highlights the critical need for continuous security monitoring and rapid response capabilities in mobile environments where vulnerabilities can have widespread impact across large user bases.