CVE-2017-0818 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Android media framework (n/a). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-63581671.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0818 resides within the Android media framework, specifically affecting versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. This issue represents a critical security flaw that impacts the underlying multimedia processing capabilities of the Android operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of media files during decoding and processing operations, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. The affected Android ID A-63581671 indicates this was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, highlighting the severity and systematic approach to addressing the issue.
The technical flaw manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when the media framework processes specially crafted media files. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted input data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the media processing service. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the system handles media file parsing and decoding operations, where insufficient bounds checking and input validation enables attackers to overwrite memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how multimedia processing systems can become attack surfaces when proper input sanitization is lacking.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0818 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides potential pathways for full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files downloaded from untrusted sources. Once exploited, the vulnerability could allow threat actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media framework service, potentially leading to complete device compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that media processing is a fundamental function of Android devices, making the exploitation vector highly accessible and the potential impact widespread across affected device populations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from Google, as the fix involves correcting the memory handling routines within the media framework. Organizations should prioritize deployment of Android security updates, particularly focusing on the specific versions mentioned in the vulnerability report. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the execution of malicious code through system services. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level filtering to prevent access to known malicious media content, deploying mobile device management solutions to enforce security policies, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unusual media processing activities. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting for media applications and regularly scanning for potentially malicious media files that could exploit this vulnerability.