CVE-2017-0848 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-64477217.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0848 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libeffects library component. This issue manifests in multiple Android versions including 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 vulnerability stems from improper handling of media effect processing within the framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the libeffects library failing to properly validate or sanitize input parameters during media processing operations. When applications utilize media effects processing capabilities, the vulnerable code path allows for memory disclosure through improper bounds checking and buffer handling mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from the system's memory space, including potentially confidential data, system pointers, or other critical information that should remain protected.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for Android devices as it can be exploited by malicious applications or attackers with compromised user credentials. The information disclosure could potentially reveal system internals, application memory layouts, or sensitive data that might aid in developing more sophisticated attacks. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially compromise user privacy and data integrity across affected Android versions. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system architecture, which might facilitate subsequent exploitation attempts or aid in bypassing security controls.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to unintended information disclosure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving information gathering and reconnaissance activities, potentially supporting later stages of attack chains. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in system libraries, particularly those handling multimedia processing functions. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices and implementing monitoring for suspicious behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The Android security team addressed this vulnerability through updates that strengthened input validation mechanisms and improved memory handling within the media framework components.