CVE-2017-0724 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service 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-36819262.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The CVE-2017-0724 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 library component. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread issue across multiple Android release branches. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed MPEG-2 video streams during decoding processes, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted media content can trigger system instability. The affected libmpeg2 library serves as a core component in Android's multimedia processing stack, responsible for decoding various video formats including MPEG-2 streams that are commonly encountered in digital television broadcasts and other media applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the media framework processes specially crafted MPEG-2 video files. When the libmpeg2 decoder encounters malformed input data, it fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during the parsing of MPEG-2 headers and frame data. This leads to memory corruption that can cause the media framework to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the device's multimedia capabilities unusable. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or downloaded media files. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper validation of input data during media processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0724 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall system stability and user experience of affected Android devices. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete system hangs, requiring device reboot to restore normal functionality. This denial of service condition affects not only individual applications but can also impact system-level services that depend on the media framework for proper operation. The vulnerability creates an environment where legitimate media playback becomes impossible, as the system becomes unstable and crashes upon attempting to process any MPEG-2 content. From an attacker perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact vector for system disruption, as the malicious input can be delivered through common attack channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications that utilize the affected media processing libraries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from Google, as the flaw exists in core Android framework components that cannot be addressed through application-level fixes alone. Device manufacturers must implement rapid security updates to address the buffer overflow condition in the libmpeg2 library, ensuring that all affected Android versions receive proper patching. Users should maintain their Android systems with the latest security updates, particularly focusing on the Android security patch level that addresses this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files to affected devices, while also monitoring for any reported exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for robust error handling in system-level components that process untrusted media data. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce timely security updates and monitor for system stability issues that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical nature of maintaining secure media processing frameworks in mobile operating systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 for denial of service attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management in mobile environments.