CVE-2017-0745 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (avc decoder). 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-37079296.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0745 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the advanced video coding (avc) decoder component. This weakness resides in the underlying multimedia processing infrastructure that handles video decoding operations on Android devices, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through malicious media content delivered via various attack vectors. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions spanning from 4.4.4 through 7.1.2, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem that was particularly concerning given the prevalence of these older versions in production environments. The flaw stems from improper memory handling during video frame processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media framework process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the avc decoder processes malformed video data structures. When the decoder encounters specially crafted video frames containing oversized or malformed headers, it fails to properly validate input boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack surface is particularly broad as the media framework is invoked whenever users interact with video content through various applications including web browsers, messaging apps, and media players, making exploitation relatively straightforward through phishing attacks or malicious websites.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android device users and organizations relying on these platforms for mobile communications and data processing. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely by delivering malicious video content through email attachments, web pages, or instant messaging platforms, requiring no user interaction beyond viewing the content. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for further attacks or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques such as T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1190 for exploit for remote access, demonstrating how this single flaw can enable multiple attack vectors. Organizations with legacy Android devices running affected versions face particular risk, as these systems often lack modern security mitigations and may not receive timely updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0745 require immediate action through official Android security patches released by Google, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions in the media framework. Device administrators should prioritize updating affected systems to versions containing the patched media framework components, particularly focusing on devices running Android 4.4.4 through 7.1.2 where the vulnerability is present. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media content, deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies, and establishing user awareness programs to prevent interaction with untrusted media files. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation can generate network traffic patterns that indicate compromise. The remediation process must account for the fact that many affected devices may no longer receive security updates, requiring alternative risk mitigation strategies including hardware replacement or enhanced network monitoring for potentially compromised devices.