CVE-2017-0779 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (audioflinger). 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-38340117.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0779 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically within the audioflinger component that manages audio playback and recording operations. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations during audio processing, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that could expose sensitive system information to malicious applications.
The technical flaw manifests through a memory corruption issue in the audioflinger service that processes audio data streams. When applications interact with the media framework to handle audio operations, the vulnerable code fails to properly validate memory boundaries during buffer operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious audio data or manipulate audio processing parameters that can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the system handles certain audio buffer operations and memory management within the audio processing pipeline, creating opportunities for information leakage through memory disclosure attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android device security as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory. The disclosed information could include kernel memory contents, system pointers, or other confidential data that could be leveraged to further compromise the device. Attackers could potentially use this information to bypass security mechanisms, understand system internals, or develop more sophisticated exploits targeting other components of the Android operating system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level within the media framework, making it accessible to applications with minimal privileges.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundation for more advanced attacks within the Android security model. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the system's memory management and input validation processes, specifically categorized under memory corruption vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a privilege escalation technique where an attacker gains access to system-level information that can be used to elevate their privileges or bypass security controls. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying security patches, monitoring for suspicious audio processing activities, and considering application sandboxing measures to limit potential exploitation vectors.
Mitigation efforts should prioritize the immediate deployment of Android security updates that address the memory handling flaws in audioflinger. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual audio processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of media frameworks. Regular security assessments of Android applications and system components should include memory management validation to prevent similar issues from emerging in future versions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing device-level security controls that restrict audio processing capabilities for untrusted applications and maintain continuous monitoring for potential exploitation attempts targeting this and similar vulnerabilities.