CVE-2017-0722 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (h263 decoder). 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-37660827.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0722 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the h263 decoder component. This vulnerability resides in the multimedia processing pipeline that handles video decoding operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through malicious media content delivered over networks or via file transfers. The affected Android versions span from 4.4.4 through 7.1.2, indicating a wide attack surface across multiple generations of the Android operating system. The vulnerability was classified under the Android ID A-37660827, which signifies its severity and the need for immediate attention from device manufacturers and users.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the h263 video decoder implementation. When the media framework processes malformed h263 video streams, the decoder fails to properly validate buffer boundaries and memory access patterns, leading to memory corruption conditions. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, ultimately allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media framework process. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android media stack, making it particularly challenging to mitigate as it bypasses traditional application-level security controls. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read errors.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0722 extends far beyond simple media processing failures, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain full control over affected Android devices. An attacker could deliver malicious video content through various vectors including email attachments, messaging applications, web downloads, or even compromised websites that automatically play video content. Once executed, the remote code execution capability allows for complete device compromise, enabling unauthorized access to personal data, installation of malicious applications, and potential lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages for execution, as the exploitation could leverage various scripting capabilities available within the Android environment to establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from device manufacturers and end users. Google released security patches for affected Android versions as part of their regular security updates, but organizations must ensure timely deployment of these patches across all affected devices. Device administrators should implement network segmentation and content filtering to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media content, while users should avoid downloading content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile frameworks, particularly around memory management and input validation. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically apply security updates and monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, network monitoring tools should be configured to detect anomalous media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be used in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish more persistent compromises within targeted environments.