CVE-2017-0678 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework. Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-36576151.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0678 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework that affects versions 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2. This issue resides in the media server component responsible for processing multimedia files and handling various media formats including mp4, mpeg4, and other container formats. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the stagefright media processing library, which is a core component of Android's multimedia architecture. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices simply by sending a specially crafted media file or manipulating network streams that the system processes automatically.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be traced to a buffer overflow condition in the media framework's parsing routines, specifically within the mp4 parser implementation. When the system encounters malformed media data, particularly in the moov atom structure of mp4 files, the parsing code fails to properly validate buffer boundaries before copying data into internal memory structures. This memory corruption vulnerability enables attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and ultimately gain control over the media server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered automatically when media files are played or even when the system processes media content in the background, such as when downloading or streaming content. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0678 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on vulnerable Android devices without requiring any user interaction beyond receiving or viewing the malicious media content. This vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, SMS messages containing media files, or even through compromised websites that deliver malicious media content. The attack surface is extensive because the media framework is actively processing media content throughout the user's daily activities, making exploitation highly probable. Security researchers have mapped this vulnerability to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation allows for full system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting a malicious mp4 file with specifically designed malformed data structures that trigger the buffer overflow when processed by the media framework. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media server process, which runs with system-level privileges on Android devices. This level of access enables attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors on the affected devices. The vulnerability affects all Android devices running the specified versions, regardless of manufacturer or device type, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for sophisticated attacks including mobile banking trojans and enterprise espionage operations.