CVE-2017-0677 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-36035074.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0677 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system including android 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2. This issue resides in the multimedia processing components that handle various media file formats and streaming protocols, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized control over affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the media framework's handling of malformed media files, particularly those processed through the stagefright component which is responsible for decoding various multimedia formats including mp4, 3gp, and other container formats. The flaw allows attackers to craft specially crafted media files that, when processed by the vulnerable android system, trigger memory corruption conditions leading to arbitrary code execution in the context of the media framework process. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, text messages containing multimedia content, web downloads, and streaming media services. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerable code executes with elevated privileges within the media framework, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and execute malicious code with system-level privileges. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on heap memory allocations, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0677 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass a broad range of security implications that affect device integrity, user privacy, and overall system security posture. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, monitor communications, and potentially establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction, often just opening a malicious media file or visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. The vulnerability affects all affected android versions because the underlying media framework components have remained largely unchanged across these releases, indicating a fundamental design flaw that was not properly addressed in the security updates. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack scenarios, potentially leading to full system compromise and privilege escalation to the highest system-level permissions. The attack pattern aligns with the attack technique T1059 from the attack tactics and techniques framework, specifically targeting remote code execution capabilities through legitimate system interfaces. Organizations and users are particularly vulnerable because the exploit can be delivered through multiple channels including sms messages, email attachments, and web-based content, making traditional security measures such as email filtering and web proxies insufficient to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0677 require immediate implementation of security patches and updates provided by google and device manufacturers, as well as proactive network monitoring and endpoint protection measures. The primary defense mechanism involves applying the security patches released by google as part of the android security bulletin for march 2017, which include fixes for the stagefright media processing components. Organizations should implement network segmentation and content filtering to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files through email and web channels, while also deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatic update mechanisms. Device users should be educated about the risks of opening suspicious email attachments or visiting untrusted websites that may contain malicious media content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other system components, as the underlying architecture issues that led to CVE-2017-0677 remain prevalent in many mobile operating system implementations. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability through network traffic analysis, endpoint detection systems, and threat intelligence feeds that track exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and restricting media processing capabilities on devices where such restrictions are feasible can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely patch management and the need for comprehensive security architectures that address both known and emerging threats in mobile environments.