CVE-2017-0816 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libeffects). 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-63662938.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0816 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libeffects component that handles audio processing and enhancement. This vulnerability exists in multiple Android versions including 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from improper handling of memory regions within the audio effects processing pipeline, creating potential exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized applications or processes.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and memory management practices within the libeffects library. When audio effects processing occurs, the system fails to properly isolate memory segments containing sensitive information, allowing malicious applications to potentially access or read data that should remain protected. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests when applications attempt to interact with audio processing components, specifically during the initialization or execution of audio effects, where memory corruption or improper access controls allow information leakage.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0816 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive information including but not limited to user credentials, application data, or system configuration details. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a significant weakness in Android's security model that affects millions of devices globally. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about device configurations, user activities, or application data, creating opportunities for targeted attacks or data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. System administrators and security teams should prioritize deployment of the latest security patches, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction. Additionally, implementing proper application sandboxing and memory access controls can help reduce the potential impact of such flaws. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059, which involves execution through system commands, as exploitation may involve command injection or privilege escalation techniques. Device manufacturers should implement robust code review processes and memory management practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases, particularly focusing on the audio processing components that handle sensitive data.