CVE-2017-0738 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (audioserver). Product: Android. Versions: 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-37563371.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0738 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the audioserver component that manages audio processing and playback functionalities. This vulnerability impacts multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, indicating a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from improper handling of audio session identifiers and associated metadata within the media framework's memory management processes, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information extraction. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability falls under information disclosure categories where sensitive data may be accessed by malicious actors without proper authorization, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in the Android media framework's session management system where the audioserver fails to properly validate and sanitize audio session identifiers during memory operations. When applications interact with audio services, the system creates audio sessions that contain metadata about the audio streams, including buffer information and session handles. The flaw allows for a memory corruption scenario where attackers can manipulate audio session parameters to extract information from adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability typically manifests through privilege escalation or malicious application exploitation, where an unprivileged process can access memory locations that should be restricted to system-level components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to system resources, while also aligning with T1211 for privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0738 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive system information that may aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability allows for the extraction of audio session metadata, which could include buffer addresses, session identifiers, and other system-specific information that might be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. This information disclosure could potentially reveal memory layout details that would aid in bypassing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, creating a substantial attack surface where compromised devices could be used for reconnaissance purposes or as stepping stones for additional attacks. The Android ID A-37563371 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed by Google's security team, but the widespread nature of the affected versions suggests that many devices remained vulnerable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on system updates and patch management, as the primary fix involves correcting the memory handling within the audioserver component. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate installation of the relevant Android security patches that address this specific flaw in the media framework. The vulnerability's nature suggests that additional defensive measures such as application sandboxing and privilege restriction policies should be implemented to limit potential exploitation. System administrators should consider monitoring for unusual audio service behavior and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components, particularly around memory management and parameter validation, as outlined in industry standards for secure software development. Regular security assessments of media frameworks and audio services should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other system components, ensuring comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats.