CVE-2017-0721 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libmpeg2). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-37561455.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-0721 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 library component. This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's multimedia processing capabilities and was identified through extensive security research conducted by Google's security team. The issue manifests in multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability was tracked under Android ID A-37561455, indicating its classification within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system. This flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with multimedia framework components that process untrusted input data from various sources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the libmpeg2 library implementation. When the Android media framework processes MPEG-2 video files, the system fails to adequately validate the structure and content of these media files before parsing them. This inadequate validation creates a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw occurs during the parsing of specific MPEG-2 format elements where the system does not properly check array bounds or validate the size of expected data structures. This allows attackers to craft specially malformed MPEG-2 files that, when processed by the vulnerable Android system, can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios that can occur during dynamic memory allocation processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0721 extends far beyond typical media processing vulnerabilities due to the widespread nature of Android devices and their connectivity. Attackers can remotely exploit this vulnerability by delivering maliciously crafted MPEG-2 media files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications. The remote code execution capability means that successful exploitation can allow attackers to completely compromise affected Android devices without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond the simple act of viewing or processing the malicious media content. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level within the media framework, potentially bypassing many traditional security controls and user permissions. The impact encompasses complete device compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and the ability to escalate privileges to full system access. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating its comprehensive attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0721 require immediate system updates and comprehensive security measures. The primary and most effective mitigation involves applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions in the libmpeg2 library. Organizations and users should implement immediate patch management protocols to ensure all affected Android devices receive the necessary updates. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network-based filters to block or scan for potentially malicious media files before they reach end-user devices. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual media processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted media processing applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in multimedia frameworks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of system components that handle external data inputs. Organizations should also consider deploying mobile threat defense solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting such vulnerabilities.