CVE-2017-0814 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An 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-62800140.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0814 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system including Android 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. This vulnerability resides in the underlying media processing components that handle multimedia content and system interactions, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data exposure. The issue stems from improper handling of certain media framework operations that can lead to leakage of sensitive information through memory corruption or improper access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects core system functionality that is integral to device operation and user experience, making it a high-priority security concern for Android device manufacturers and users alike.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves flaws in how the Android media framework processes certain input data streams or handles specific media operations that result in information disclosure. This typically occurs when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters during media processing, potentially allowing malicious actors to extract sensitive data from memory regions or system buffers. The vulnerability can be exploited through crafted media files or malicious applications that trigger the flawed media processing paths, causing the system to inadvertently reveal information such as kernel memory contents, system configuration data, or other sensitive operational details. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to security breaches in system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0814 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that leverage the leaked information for further exploitation. Attackers could use the disclosed information to craft more effective attacks against the device, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, meaning that a significant portion of the Android user base remains at risk, particularly as these versions were widely deployed across various device manufacturers and models. The exposure of sensitive system information through this vulnerability could provide attackers with insights into system architecture, memory layouts, or security configurations that would otherwise remain protected. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Android devices handle sensitive data or operate in security-critical contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0814 primarily involve applying the security patches and updates released by Google and device manufacturers. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest Android versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as these updates typically include modifications to the media framework's input validation and memory handling procedures. Device administrators should prioritize patch management and verify that all Android devices within their environment receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider network-level controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious media content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing for system frameworks and highlights the need for robust input validation mechanisms. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit the execution of untrusted media processing applications that could trigger the vulnerable code paths. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or system functionality.