CVE-2017-0776 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (n/a). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-38496660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0776 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework affecting multiple versions including Android 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. This issue resides in the underlying media processing components that handle various multimedia formats and codecs, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of malformed media files that could be processed through the system's media framework. According to the Android security advisory, this flaw specifically impacts how the system processes certain media content, allowing malicious actors to potentially extract sensitive information from the device through crafted media files. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through media processing components. The media framework in question handles various audio and video formats, including but not limited to mp4, avi, and other common multimedia containers that are processed by the system's native media libraries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking and memory management within the media processing pipeline. When the system encounters specially crafted media files, the processing functions fail to properly validate input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to disclose memory contents. The flaw manifests when the media framework attempts to parse and process malformed media data structures, particularly in the way it handles buffer allocations and data copying operations. Attackers can construct media files with specific payload structures that trigger the vulnerability during normal playback or processing operations. This allows for the extraction of sensitive data from system memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in memory regions accessible to the media framework. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through social engineering or automated attacks targeting media content distribution channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0776 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability can potentially enable further exploitation pathways within the Android environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw could gain access to sensitive device information that may facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the device ecosystem. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these system versions across various devices and manufacturers. Organizations and individuals using affected Android versions face potential exposure to data breaches, privacy violations, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that media processing occurs frequently during normal device usage, creating numerous attack vectors through legitimate media consumption channels. Security researchers have noted that the flaw can be triggered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or media file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0776 primarily focus on immediate system updates and security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Users should ensure their Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, specifically Android Security Patch Level 2017-04-05 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should implement proactive monitoring of device security status and ensure all enterprise devices receive timely security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing strict media file validation policies, particularly for files received from untrusted sources, and deploying network-based security solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious media content. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically apply security updates. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system components and the need for comprehensive input validation across all media processing functions. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on media frameworks and related components to identify similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild. The remediation process should also include user education about the risks of downloading media content from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.