CVE-2017-0697 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework. Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-37239013.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0697 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system. This weakness resides in the way the system processes media files, specifically in the stage where it handles malformed or specially crafted media data structures. The vulnerability was discovered within the Android media framework's handling of certain media containers and codecs, creating a scenario where legitimate media processing operations could be disrupted through carefully constructed input data. The affected versions span from Android 4.4.4 through 7.1.2, indicating this flaw has persisted across a significant portion of the Android ecosystem and affected millions of devices globally. The vulnerability manifests when the media framework attempts to parse and process media files that contain malformed data structures, leading to system instability and complete service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the media processing pipeline. When the Android media framework encounters media files with malformed headers, incorrect data lengths, or corrupted metadata, the parsing routines fail to properly handle these edge cases, resulting in system crashes or complete system hangs. The flaw operates at the framework level rather than at the application level, meaning that any application utilizing the media framework for processing audio or video content could potentially trigger the vulnerability. This characteristic makes the attack surface particularly broad as it can be exploited through various media processing paths including standard media players, camera applications, and any other software components that rely on the Android media framework for content handling. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and represents a classic example of how malformed input data can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0697 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise user experience and device functionality across the affected Android versions. Users experiencing this vulnerability would encounter complete system freezes, application crashes, or forced restarts when attempting to process certain media files. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate media content, making it difficult for users to predict or avoid the issue. Attackers could potentially craft malicious media files that would cause devices to crash when opened or played, creating a vector for denial of service attacks against Android devices. This vulnerability would be especially problematic in enterprise environments where mobile devices are critical for business operations, as it could lead to significant productivity losses and potential security implications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google. The fix involves implementing proper input validation and error handling within the media framework to prevent malformed data from causing system crashes. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the Android security updates, particularly those addressing the media framework components. Additionally, implementing network-level controls to filter potentially malicious media content can provide an additional layer of protection. Security teams should also consider monitoring for unusual patterns in media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that the security patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or media processing workflows. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of patched systems to verify that legitimate media processing continues to function correctly while the vulnerability is properly addressed. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and error handling in system frameworks, particularly those handling user-provided content.