CVE-2017-0771 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework (libskia). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-37624243.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0771 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libskia library component. This issue manifests in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, where the media framework fails to properly handle certain malformed input data during image processing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the graphics rendering pipeline, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted media files can trigger unexpected behavior in the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of image data structures within the libskia library, which is responsible for rendering graphics and processing multimedia content on Android devices. When the framework encounters malformed image headers or corrupted pixel data, the memory allocation and processing routines fail to validate input parameters adequately. This leads to buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions that cause the media framework to crash or become unresponsive. The flaw operates at the level of graphics processing and image rendering, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various media file formats including jpeg, png, and other image containers that utilize the skia graphics engine.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0771 extends beyond simple system instability, as it can be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions that affect core Android functionality. Attackers can craft malicious media files that when processed by the affected Android versions will cause the media framework to crash repeatedly, potentially leading to complete system lockups or forced reboots. This vulnerability particularly affects applications that rely on media processing capabilities, including messaging apps, social media platforms, and file sharing services that handle image content. The exploitation of this flaw can result in unauthorized service disruption and may provide attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access through subsequent exploitation attempts.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Android security patches released by Google, which address the memory handling issues within libskia and implement proper input validation for image data processing. Organizations should also consider implementing media file scanning and validation mechanisms as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in graphics libraries and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of multimedia processing components in mobile operating systems. Regular security updates and monitoring of Android security bulletins remain essential for maintaining system integrity against similar vulnerabilities in the future.