CVE-2017-0689 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-36215950.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0689 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system from android 5.0.2 through 7.1.2. This issue stems from improper handling of media files during the decoding process, specifically within the stagefright component that manages multimedia content processing. The vulnerability manifests when the system encounters specially crafted media files that trigger an out-of-bounds read condition, causing the media framework to crash and subsequently leading to a complete system denial of service. The flaw resides in the way the framework processes certain header fields in media containers, particularly those related to the mp4 and 3gp formats, where malformed data can cause memory corruption during parsing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a malicious media file to a target device, either through email attachments, text messages, or web downloads. The Android media framework automatically processes these files during normal operation, triggering the vulnerable code path when attempting to decode the malformed media content. The out-of-bounds read condition results in a segmentation fault that crashes the media framework service, causing the entire system to become unresponsive or restart unexpectedly. This behavior aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-119, which addresses memory corruption issues. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the android media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any application that processes multimedia content, including messaging apps, web browsers, and file managers. The attack surface is extensive since the framework processes media files automatically without user intervention, making exploitation trivial for attackers who can deliver malicious content through common communication channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0689 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise user privacy and system integrity. When the media framework crashes, it can cause applications to freeze or restart, leading to data loss and potential exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including sms messages with mms attachments, email with embedded media, or web-based content that automatically plays media files. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data and in consumer scenarios where users may unknowingly trigger the exploit through routine activities like checking messages or browsing websites. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically in the context of media processing, and T1499.004 for network denial of service. The potential for escalation exists since the media framework runs with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with additional attack surfaces or serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0689 primarily focus on timely patching and system hardening measures. Google released security updates for affected Android versions that addressed the memory corruption issue by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the media processing pipeline. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches and updates to all affected devices, particularly those in enterprise environments or handling sensitive data. Network-level mitigations can include filtering of media attachments at email and web gateways to prevent automatic processing of potentially malicious content. Mobile device management solutions should be configured to automatically install security updates and disable automatic media processing for untrusted sources. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can process media content, enabling secure browsing practices that prevent automatic media playback, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in mobile operating systems, particularly for components that process untrusted data from external sources.