CVE-2017-0683 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-36591008.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0683 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 vulnerability resides in the media server component responsible for processing multimedia content and handling various media file formats including mp4, mpeg, and other common audio/video containers. The flaw manifests through improper input validation and memory handling during the parsing of crafted media files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the system level within the media framework, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring user interaction or physical access to the device.
The technical root cause of CVE-2017-0683 stems from a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the Android media framework processes specially crafted media files containing malformed metadata or headers. This buffer overflow vulnerability specifically affects the way the system handles certain media container formats, particularly those with improperly structured atom structures in mp4 files. The flaw is classified as a memory safety issue that aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the media server process to execute malicious code with the privileges of the media framework, effectively compromising the entire device. The vulnerability operates through the Android media server daemon which runs with system-level privileges and handles media processing requests from various applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected Android devices without requiring any user interaction or device compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media files shared through social media platforms. This vulnerability enables threat actors to perform actions such as data exfiltration, installation of additional malware, persistent backdoor establishment, and complete device takeover. The exploitation of CVE-2017-0683 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068 which involves exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK tactic TA0002 which covers execution, making it a significant threat for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to target devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0683 require immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes alone. Organizations and users must ensure their Android devices receive the security patches released by Google and device manufacturers, particularly focusing on the Android security bulletin for April 2017 which addressed this specific vulnerability. The patch implementation should include updating the media framework components and ensuring all system-level media processing libraries are properly patched. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media file downloads, deploying mobile device management solutions that can monitor for potentially malicious media content, and establishing security awareness training for users to avoid downloading media files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices and regular patch management, as this flaw represents a typical example of how media processing vulnerabilities can be exploited for remote code execution. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that any third-party applications that handle media files are regularly updated and tested for compatibility with the latest security patches.