CVE-2017-0680 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-37008096.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0680 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 improper input validation and memory handling within the media processing pipeline, creating a condition where maliciously crafted media files could trigger arbitrary code execution on affected devices. The flaw specifically impacts the way the system processes certain media containers and codecs, particularly those involving mp4 and other multimedia formats that leverage the android media framework for decoding and rendering operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially crafted media files that, when processed by the vulnerable android media framework, cause memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability occurs during the parsing and decoding phases of media files, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the media framework process. This type of exploitation follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the command shell through media processing components. The attack surface extends to any application or service that utilizes the android media framework for handling user-provided media content, including messaging applications, web browsers, and file sharing platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0680 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote attackers to gain complete control over affected android devices without requiring any user interaction or physical access. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, and potentially escalate privileges to gain system-level control. The vulnerability affects a broad range of devices and applications since the media framework is extensively used throughout the android ecosystem for processing multimedia content in various contexts. This includes but is not limited to email attachments, web browsing, messaging applications, and file sharing services that may process multimedia content automatically. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly encounter malicious media content while browsing the web, receiving emails, or using messaging applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0680 primarily focus on applying the official android security patches released by google, which address the underlying memory handling issues within the media framework. organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to update all affected android devices to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media content, particularly from untrusted sources, and deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual media processing activities or unexpected code execution patterns within the android media framework. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile frameworks, emphasizing the need for proper input validation, bounds checking, and memory management in multimedia processing components. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically apply security updates to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.