CVE-2017-0834 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libmpeg2). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-63125953.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0834 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 library component. This vulnerability resides in the multimedia processing subsystem that handles MPEG-2 video decoding operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through malicious media files delivered via various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications. The affected Android versions span from 6.0 through 8.0, indicating a broad impact across multiple generations of the mobile operating system and affecting billions of devices worldwide.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the MPEG-2 decoder implementation, specifically in how the libmpeg2 library processes malformed video streams. The flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the decoder attempts to parse specially crafted MPEG-2 video data structures. This buffer overflow allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the media framework process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a well-known class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the media framework is frequently accessed by various applications and system components, making exploitation relatively straightforward.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to affected devices through multiple attack vectors. An attacker could deliver malicious media content through compromised websites, social engineering campaigns, or even through legitimate applications that process user-provided media files. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond opening the malicious content, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter media through various channels. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files to gain initial access to systems, and represents a prime example of how media processing components can serve as attack vectors for broader compromise. The affected devices could be compromised without user knowledge, potentially leading to data theft, persistent surveillance, or further exploitation through privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0834 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and users alike. Google released security patches for Android versions 6.0 through 8.0 that address this vulnerability through improved input validation and memory boundary checking in the libmpeg2 library. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all affected Android devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices may be used for sensitive operations. System administrators should also implement network-based controls to filter potentially malicious media content and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security updates. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown media files and the importance of keeping devices updated remains crucial, as this vulnerability demonstrates how media processing components can be exploited through seemingly benign file types. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in media frameworks and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of multimedia processing components, particularly those handling complex file format parsing operations.