CVE-2017-0769 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android media framework (libstagefright). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-37662122.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0769 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright component that handles multimedia processing. This vulnerability exists in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases. The issue stems from improper handling of media file parsing, particularly when processing crafted malicious media content that triggers buffer overflows and memory corruption conditions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages the media processing capabilities that are frequently used by applications, making exploitation relatively straightforward.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of media files, where libstagefright fails to properly validate input data structures. When processing malformed media content, the framework does not adequately check array bounds or memory allocation limits, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain system-level privileges. Attackers can craft specially designed media files that, when opened by an Android device, trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation from a regular application context to a system-level context, which provides access to sensitive system resources, files, and capabilities that should normally be restricted. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and is commonly used by threat actors to gain elevated system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0769 is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to bypass Android's security model and execute malicious code with full system privileges. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install malicious applications, access encrypted data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The attack surface is broad since media files are commonly shared through various channels including email attachments, messaging applications, and web downloads, making it easy for attackers to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, creating a significant risk for users who have not yet updated their devices. Organizations and individuals must consider the implications of this vulnerability in environments where Android devices are used for sensitive operations or contain confidential information. The Android ID A-37662122 indicates this was tracked as a critical security issue by Google's security team, highlighting the severity and urgency of addressing this vulnerability through timely system updates and patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0769 primarily involve applying the latest security patches and updates released by Google for the affected Android versions. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest available Android releases that contain fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should implement robust patch management policies to ensure all Android devices within their organization receive timely security updates. Additional protective measures include deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and restrict media file handling, implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media content, and educating users about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted media files. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and proper memory management in mobile application development, particularly for components that handle external data processing. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their mobile environments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in custom applications and third-party software that may be running on affected Android devices.