CVE-2017-0835 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-63316832.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0835 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 library component. This issue resides in the Android operating system's multimedia processing capabilities and was discovered to be exploitable by malicious actors who could craft specially crafted media files to trigger the vulnerability. The affected versions encompass Android 6.0 through 8.0, indicating a substantial attack surface across multiple generations of the mobile operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the MPEG2 decoding process, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution when legitimate media files are processed by the affected system components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a buffer overflow condition within the libmpeg2 library during the processing of malformed MPEG2 video streams. When an Android device attempts to decode a specially crafted MPEG2 file, the insufficient bounds checking in the media framework allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to code execution at the privilege level of the media processing service. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how multimedia processing components can become attack vectors due to inadequate memory management practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex media frameworks that must handle diverse input formats while maintaining security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0835 extends beyond simple device compromise, as it provides attackers with a method to execute arbitrary code on affected Android devices without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond the simple act of processing a malicious media file. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution with Techniques such as Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the malicious code can be injected and executed within the context of the media processing service. The vulnerability affects all Android versions from 6.0 through 8.0, creating a significant challenge for security teams as these versions encompass millions of devices worldwide, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can potentially compromise devices through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media content distributed through various channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the Android security patches released in 2017, specifically addressing the media framework components. Device administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious media content and consider mobile device management solutions to enforce security policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia frameworks and the necessity of implementing robust input validation and memory management techniques. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the dangers of processing untrusted media files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability can be exploited through simple media file processing without requiring user interaction beyond the automatic decoding process that occurs when media files are accessed.