CVE-2017-0774 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service 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-62673844.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0774 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright component that handles multimedia processing. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions ranging from 4.4.4 through 7.1.2, impacting a substantial portion of the Android ecosystem and exposing millions of devices to potential exploitation. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the media parsing routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal device operation through carefully crafted multimedia content.
The technical flaw resides in the way libstagefright processes certain media files, particularly those containing malformed or specially constructed data streams. When the framework attempts to parse these malicious inputs, it encounters a buffer overflow condition that leads to a system crash or complete device freeze. This occurs due to insufficient bounds checking and improper memory allocation handling during the parsing process, allowing attackers to manipulate the media parser into entering an unrecoverable state. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect core system functionality without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious media file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device disruption, as it can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions that may require device rebooting or even complete system recovery. Attackers can exploit this weakness by distributing malicious media files through various channels including email attachments, messaging applications, or compromised websites, where users inadvertently trigger the vulnerability upon attempting to view or play the content. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 indicates it involves improper validation of input boundaries, while its exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for network denial of service attacks. Devices running affected Android versions become vulnerable to both automated and targeted attacks, potentially affecting enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not adequately protect against such media-based exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0774 primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions in the libstagefright component. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that automatically deploy security updates and restrict the execution of untrusted media content. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to block suspicious media file types and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from unknown sources and should maintain regular backup procedures to minimize data loss during potential exploitation events. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in mobile environments where the attack surface includes multimedia processing capabilities that can be leveraged for system disruption.