CVE-2017-0735 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service 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-38239864.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0735 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libavc component responsible for handling video encoding and decoding operations. This issue manifests in Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases that were prevalent during 2016 and early 2017. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed video data structures during the processing of H.264 video streams, creating a condition where specially crafted media files can trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying media framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition within the video decoding pipeline where the libavc library fails to properly validate input parameters before processing video frames. When an attacker crafts a malicious video file containing malformed H.264 data structures, the media framework attempts to decode these frames without adequate bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in process termination or system instability. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, media file downloads, or streaming content. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation issue, where the system fails to properly validate the range of input data before processing, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0735 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to complete system instability and potential denial of service across multiple user applications. Affected devices may experience spontaneous reboots, application crashes, or complete system lockups when processing malicious media content, effectively rendering the device unusable until manual intervention occurs. The vulnerability affects not only individual applications but also the underlying system services that depend on the media framework, potentially compromising the entire device functionality. Security researchers have noted that the flaw can be exploited remotely through unpatched devices that automatically process media content, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not be fully implemented. The Android ID A-38239864 indicates this vulnerability was tracked through Google's internal security tracking system, highlighting its significance in the Android security ecosystem and its classification as a medium to high severity threat requiring immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0735 primarily focus on implementing timely security updates from Google and device manufacturers, as the vulnerability was addressed through patches released in Android security updates. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected Android devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where mobile devices may be exposed to untrusted media content. Network administrators should implement content filtering solutions to prevent malicious media files from reaching end-user devices, while security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through threat intelligence feeds. Device users should avoid downloading media content from untrusted sources and maintain regular security updates to protect against this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities where possible and implementing proper input validation mechanisms for any custom applications that handle media content. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing device monitoring solutions that can detect unusual behavior patterns indicative of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's denial of service characteristics can be used to disrupt service availability in targeted environments.