CVE-2017-0839 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libeffects). Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-64478003.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0839 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libeffects component that handles audio processing and effects. This vulnerability impacts a broad range of Android versions including 5.0.2 through 8.0, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these system versions across various mobile devices. The issue stems from improper handling of memory structures within the audio effects processing pipeline, creating an avenue for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Android media framework's libeffects library where insufficient input validation and memory management practices allow malicious applications to access sensitive memory regions that should remain protected. The flaw manifests when audio effects processing routines fail to properly sanitize input parameters, leading to information leakage through memory corruption mechanisms. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure vulnerabilities, and represents a classic case of improper information handling in system-level components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0839 extends beyond simple data leakage, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to extract sensitive information that could include system memory contents, audio processing parameters, or other confidential data processed through the affected framework. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into the device's internal memory structure, which might aid in developing more sophisticated attacks against the Android platform. The vulnerability's presence in the media framework also means that any application with audio processing permissions could potentially leverage this flaw, significantly broadening the attack surface.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure memory management practices in system-level components, particularly those handling multimedia processing. The flaw's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, while indirect, shows how information disclosure vulnerabilities can enable further exploitation by providing attackers with critical system information. The Android security model's reliance on proper sandboxing and memory isolation makes this particular vulnerability especially dangerous as it could potentially allow bypass of normal security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0839 primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches and updates provided by Google, which typically include memory validation improvements and proper input sanitization within the libeffects component. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across affected Android versions. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring solutions that detect anomalous memory access patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security audits of system-level libraries and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent information leakage through improper memory handling. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit the potential impact of compromised applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability.