CVE-2017-0720 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libhevc). 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-37430213.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0720 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libhevc library responsible for handling high efficiency video coding. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the video decoding pipeline, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The issue manifests when the system processes specially crafted HEVC video content, exploiting a buffer overflow condition that can be triggered through various media playback scenarios including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from a classic buffer overflow condition in the libhevc library implementation, which falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category. When the media framework attempts to decode malformed HEVC video streams, the insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the media framework process. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android media subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond the normal media playback process. The flaw exists in the video decoding logic where the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming video data before processing, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious payloads that trigger the overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0720 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access to affected devices and potentially escalate privileges to system-level access. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to deploy malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or create backdoors on compromised devices, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and individual users alike. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, representing a substantial attack surface across the Android ecosystem. This broad scope means that any device running these Android versions could be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through malicious media files and privilege escalation. The vulnerability can be classified under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, where attackers leverage the media framework to execute malicious code. Additionally, it supports T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation by potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges through the compromised media framework process. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, disabling automatic media playback for untrusted sources, and implementing network-level controls to prevent access to known malicious media content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and memory management in multimedia processing frameworks.