CVE-2017-0679 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-36996978.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0679 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 media framework component responsible for processing multimedia content and handling various media file formats. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper memory management during the processing of specially crafted media files, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The flaw specifically manifests when the system attempts to parse and decode media content, particularly in scenarios involving malformed or maliciously constructed media files that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of memory corruption mechanisms within the Android media framework's native code components. Attackers can craft malicious media files that, when processed by the affected Android versions, trigger buffer overflow conditions in memory management routines. This occurs due to inadequate bounds checking during media file parsing operations, allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered without user interaction when media files are automatically processed by the system. The attack surface includes various media file formats that the Android media framework supports, making the exploitation vector quite broad and potentially accessible through multiple delivery methods.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to Android users and organizations deploying affected versions of the operating system. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially compromise devices from a distance without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond triggering the media processing. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files downloaded from untrusted sources. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The widespread adoption of affected Android versions makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it affects a large user base across different device types and manufacturers. Organizations using Android devices for business operations face elevated risks of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0679 focus primarily on applying security patches and updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. The most effective immediate solution involves updating affected Android devices to versions that contain patches addressing the media framework vulnerabilities. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected devices and implement robust mobile device management policies to ensure timely updates. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media content, disabling automatic media processing for untrusted sources, and educating users about the risks of downloading media files from unknown or untrusted origins. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the Android ecosystem and prevent future exploitation of related vulnerabilities.