CVE-2017-0725 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework (libskia). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-37627194.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0725 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libskia library component. This issue manifests in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, where the media framework fails to properly handle malformed input data during image processing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the skia graphics library that processes various image formats including jpeg and png files. When maliciously crafted image files are processed by the media framework, the system experiences unexpected behavior leading to application crashes and complete system instability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory operations during image decompression and rendering processes. The libskia library lacks sufficient bounds checking and input sanitization when processing malformed image data structures. This flaw creates a condition where the framework attempts to access memory locations beyond allocated buffers or performs invalid arithmetic operations on corrupted data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the media framework reads memory locations that are not properly validated. Additionally, the issue can be categorized under CWE-129 as an improper validation of array indices, which allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns through crafted input files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android devices running the affected versions. The denial of service condition can be triggered remotely through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected file transfers. Once exploited, the vulnerability causes immediate system instability leading to complete device crashes and potential data loss. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as it affects the broader Android ecosystem where users may unknowingly encounter malicious content. This vulnerability particularly threatens mobile device users who rely on image processing capabilities for daily operations, as the attack surface includes common user activities such as viewing images, receiving emails, or browsing websites.
The security implications of CVE-2017-0725 align with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 which involves network denial of service attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform remote code execution through system instability, potentially allowing for more sophisticated attack chains. Security researchers have noted that this flaw can be exploited without requiring special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting remote services, as it affects core system services that handle multimedia processing. Organizations and individuals should be aware that this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting Android mobile devices, particularly in environments where mobile security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0725 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google. Users should promptly install the security updates released for Android 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2 versions to address the underlying memory handling issues in libskia. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including email filtering, web content scanning, and mobile device management policies to prevent exploitation. The Android security model recommends disabling unnecessary multimedia processing capabilities where possible and implementing strict file validation mechanisms before processing any external image content. System monitoring should include detection of abnormal memory usage patterns and process crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for mobile device security incidents.