CVE-2017-0699 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure 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-36490809.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0699 represents a critical information disclosure 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 weakness stems from improper handling of media file processing within the system's underlying framework components, creating potential exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability was assigned Android ID A-36490809 and falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can compromise system security and user privacy. The media framework in question processes various multimedia files and streams, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to extract confidential information from device memory or system resources.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of media files or streams that are processed by the affected Android components. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input data during media processing operations, allowing malicious actors to potentially access memory contents or system information that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability typically involves improper access control mechanisms or insufficient data validation within the media processing pipeline, creating pathways for information leakage that can include system memory contents, file metadata, or other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple applications and system components simultaneously.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0699 extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or further system compromise. Attackers could leverage this information disclosure to gather intelligence about the target device, including memory layouts, system configurations, or other sensitive information that could facilitate subsequent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a classic example of how improper data handling can lead to security breaches. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that media processing is a fundamental function of Android devices, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable across a wide range of devices and applications. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and control communications, as the leaked information could be used to establish more persistent access or to refine attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates provided by Google. Organizations and users must ensure that all affected devices receive the relevant security patches as soon as they become available, as the vulnerability remains exploitable until properly addressed. System administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious media file processing activities and consider network-level controls to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within system frameworks, particularly those handling multimedia content. Security best practices recommend maintaining up-to-date system components and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should review their applications for proper handling of media files and ensure adequate sandboxing mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized information access. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security controls in system-level components that handle user data and system resources, particularly in mobile environments where device security directly impacts user privacy and data protection.