CVE-2017-0733 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework (libmediaplayerservice). Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-38391487.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0733 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmediaplayerservice component that manages multimedia playback operations. This issue manifests in Android versions 5.0.2 through 7.1.2, encompassing a significant portion of the mobile operating system's user base during that period. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed media files during the playback initialization phase, creating a condition where maliciously crafted audio or video content can trigger system instability and complete service disruption.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the media player service. When processing certain malformed media streams or files, the system fails to properly validate the structure and content of the media data before attempting to initialize playback components. This flaw allows attackers to craft specially formatted media files that cause the libmediaplayerservice to enter an infinite loop or crash state, resulting in the complete termination of media playback functionality. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any application that utilizes the standard media playback APIs.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0733 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall user experience and system stability. Users may encounter complete media playback failures across all applications that depend on the Android media framework, including music players, video streaming services, and multimedia applications. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files downloaded from untrusted sources. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download or receive media content from external sources, as the exploitation can occur without any user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for "Network Denial of Service". The flaw represents a classic example of how input validation failures can lead to system instability, making it a prime target for exploitation in mobile environments where users expect reliable multimedia functionality. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in widespread deployment scenarios. The impact is further amplified by the fact that the affected Android versions were widely deployed across various device manufacturers, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0733 primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include enhanced input validation and error handling mechanisms within the media framework. Device manufacturers should prioritize the deployment of these updates across affected devices, particularly those running Android versions 5.0.2 through 7.1.2. Network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files, while users should avoid opening media attachments from untrusted sources. Additional protective measures include disabling automatic media playback in email clients and web browsers, and implementing mobile device management policies that enforce security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in system-level components, particularly those handling user-provided content in mobile operating environments.