CVE-2017-0813 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework (libstagefright). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2. Android ID: A-36531046.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The CVE-2017-0813 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework specifically affecting libstagefright component. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, where the media processing subsystem fails to properly validate input data during media file parsing operations. The flaw resides in the stagefright media parser's handling of malformed media containers, particularly those containing crafted mp4 or 3gp files that exploit buffer overflow conditions during memory allocation. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts. The vulnerability affects the core media framework functionality that processes multimedia content across various Android applications, including messaging services, web browsers, and media players that utilize the underlying libstagefright library.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious media file containing malformed data structures that trigger improper memory handling within the stagefright parser. During the parsing process, the system attempts to allocate memory buffers based on incorrect size calculations derived from corrupted metadata fields within the media container. This improper buffer management leads to memory corruption that ultimately causes the media framework process to crash or become unresponsive. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate media processing pathways such as incoming multimedia messages, web content loading, or automatic media scanning operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow pattern where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and cause system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0813 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. When the media framework crashes, it affects the entire multimedia processing pipeline on affected Android devices, causing applications that rely on media handling to become unstable or cease functioning entirely. This denial of service condition can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including SMS messages containing malicious attachments, web-based media content, or email attachments. The vulnerability affects device usability and can be leveraged as a preliminary step in more complex attack chains, particularly when combined with other exploits targeting the same or related components. The Android ID A-36531046 indicates this vulnerability was properly tracked within Google's internal security tracking systems and was subsequently addressed through system updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0813 primarily involve applying the appropriate Android security patches released by Google as part of their regular security update cycle. Organizations should ensure all affected devices are updated to Android versions that include the patched libstagefright implementation, typically Android 7.1.1 and later versions. Network administrators should implement proactive monitoring for suspicious media file handling activities and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potentially malicious media content. Device users should avoid opening multimedia attachments from untrusted sources and maintain current security updates. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running vulnerable Android versions and prioritize patch deployment. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in mobile operating system components, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.