CVE-2017-0723 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-37968755.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0723 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libavc library component. This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's multimedia processing capabilities and was particularly significant due to its widespread impact across multiple Android versions including 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2. The flaw stems from improper input validation within the media framework's handling of certain multimedia data streams, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability was assigned Android ID A-37968755, indicating its classification within Google's internal tracking system for Android security issues. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and security posture of mobile devices by potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources without physical presence or user interaction.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0723 occurs through a buffer overflow condition within the libavc library, which processes video encoding and decoding operations. When the media framework encounters malformed multimedia data, particularly in video streams, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow. The flaw specifically manifests when processing certain video codecs that utilize the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard, making it particularly dangerous as these codecs are widely used across various media applications and services. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how multimedia processing components can become attack vectors for remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious video content that, when processed by the affected Android devices, triggers the buffer overflow and enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the media framework process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0723 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect large-scale deployments of Android devices within enterprise and consumer environments. Since the vulnerability exists within the core media framework, any application or service that processes multimedia content could serve as an attack vector, including email clients, messaging applications, web browsers, and social media platforms. The remote nature of the exploit means that adversaries can trigger the vulnerability through various attack surfaces without requiring physical access to the target device, making it particularly concerning for mobile security. This vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that Android 6.0 and later versions were widely deployed across multiple device manufacturers, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation and persistent access makes it particularly dangerous for both personal and enterprise security, as it could enable attackers to establish backdoors or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0723 primarily focus on prompt system updates and patch management procedures. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability were released as part of the regular security update cycle, requiring device manufacturers to implement timely updates for affected versions. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices to versions that contain the patched libavc library, typically Android 7.1.2 or later, which includes the necessary security fixes. Network-level defenses can include implementing content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent the processing of untrusted multimedia content, though these measures provide only partial protection as the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple attack vectors. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands on compromised devices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment across their device fleets. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in mobile environments and highlights the critical nature of addressing framework-level vulnerabilities that affect core operating system components.