CVE-2017-0715 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libavc). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-36998372.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-0715 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically in the libavc library component. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it particularly dangerous as it spans a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The issue resides in how the media framework processes certain multimedia data streams, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without physical access or user interaction.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the libavc library, which is responsible for handling advanced video coding formats. When the system processes specially crafted media files or streams, the flawed implementation allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through buffer overflows or other memory corruption techniques. This weakness aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction as it can be triggered through automated media processing, making it particularly insidious in scenarios involving malicious attachments or web-based media content.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0715 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with full system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, adversaries can gain persistent access to devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, surveillance, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in the media framework means that any application or service that processes multimedia content could serve as an attack vector, including email clients, web browsers, and messaging applications. This widespread exposure increases the attack surface significantly, as users may encounter malicious media content through various legitimate channels, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0715 primarily focus on timely patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android security updates released in 2017 addressed this vulnerability through improved input validation and memory management within the libavc library. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Android devices, particularly those used in sensitive environments or by high-value targets. Additional protective measures include implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies, restricting media file downloads from untrusted sources, and deploying network monitoring tools to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact should an attack succeed, while maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.