CVE-2017-0756 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libstagefright). 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-34621073.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0756 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright component that handles multimedia processing. This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's media playback infrastructure and has been classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw manifests when the system processes maliciously crafted media files, particularly those containing specially constructed mp4 or 3gp containers that exploit improper bounds checking during parsing operations. The vulnerability affects 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, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of media file structures that trigger buffer overflows or out-of-bounds memory access conditions within the libstagefright library. When an Android device attempts to parse a malformed media file, the framework fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media framework process. This represents a significant attack surface since media files are commonly encountered through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, and messaging applications. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious media file, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for persistence.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0756 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain unauthorized access to affected Android devices. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised applications that download and process media content. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can potentially gain full control over the device, access sensitive user data, install additional malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The widespread nature of affected Android versions means that a significant portion of the Android user base remains vulnerable, with the vulnerability being particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not be properly enforced. This vulnerability has been widely documented in various security advisories and represents one of the more severe issues affecting Android media processing capabilities during that time period.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should implement network-level controls to prevent the download and execution of suspicious media files, particularly those from untrusted sources. Mobile device management solutions should enforce security policies that restrict media file handling and automatically scan downloaded content for potential threats. Users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from unknown sources and encouraged to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in system components, particularly those handling untrusted data, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of core system frameworks. Device manufacturers should implement more robust testing procedures for media processing components and consider implementing additional security controls such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.