CVE-2017-0775 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, 8.0. Android ID: A-62673179.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0775 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libstagefright component that handles multimedia processing. This vulnerability manifests when the system processes malformed media files, particularly those containing crafted mp4 or mov containers that exploit improper bounds checking mechanisms. The flaw exists in how the media framework parses and validates the structure of these container formats, creating a scenario where legitimate media processing operations can be disrupted through carefully constructed input data. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Android versions from 4.4.4 through 8.0, indicating a long-standing issue that affected the majority of Android devices in active use during the affected period.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of buffer indices or lengths, and specifically manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition within the media parsing logic. When libstagefright attempts to parse maliciously crafted media files, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of various metadata fields, leading to memory access violations that cause the system to crash or become unresponsive. The flaw operates at the application level within the media framework, where the system's handling of media containers becomes vulnerable to crafted inputs that bypass normal validation checks. This issue can be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, text messages with media content, or web downloads, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0775 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions that affect device usability and potentially compromise user experience across multiple applications. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become vulnerable to attacks that can render them temporarily unusable, particularly when users inadvertently interact with malicious media content. The vulnerability also presents potential risks for enterprise environments where mobile devices may be used for business-critical applications, as the denial of service can disrupt productivity and communication. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system disruption, making it a valuable target for threat actors seeking to compromise mobile device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0775 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular Android security updates, which address the bounds checking issues within the media framework. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches across all affected Android devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where device management systems can facilitate automated updates. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files through email or web channels, while also monitoring for unusual patterns of media file processing that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media attachments from unknown sources and encouraged to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security configurations to protect against known exploits in mobile operating systems.