CVE-2017-0849 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libavc). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-62688399.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0849 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libavc component responsible for video encoding and decoding operations. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 6.0 through 8.0, encompassing a significant portion of the mobile operating system's user base. The issue stems from improper handling of memory buffers during video processing operations, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the libavc library's insufficient validation of input parameters when processing video streams, particularly those involving H.264 encoded content. When the media framework receives malformed or specially crafted video data, it fails to properly sanitize memory allocations, leading to information leakage through memory corruption patterns. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android media subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper information disclosure, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory safety issues commonly found in multimedia processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0849 extends beyond simple information leakage, as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive data from the device's memory space. This includes but is not limited to cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, and system configuration details that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significant because it can be triggered through ordinary media playback operations, making it difficult for users to detect when their devices are compromised. Attackers can craft malicious video files that, when played through the affected Android media framework, cause the system to leak information that can be collected and analyzed for additional attack vectors. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions from 6.0 to 8.0 means that a substantial number of devices remain at risk, particularly in enterprise environments where older Android versions are still prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as the flaw exists within the core operating system components. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management protocols that ensure all Android devices receive security updates promptly. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes, as attackers may attempt to leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Additional defensive measures include network monitoring for suspicious media file transfers and user education regarding the risks of downloading content from untrusted sources. Device administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially malicious media processing applications. The vulnerability's classification under the Android security model necessitates regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors. Organizations should also monitor for related vulnerabilities that may exploit similar memory handling patterns within the Android media framework, as this type of information disclosure vulnerability often indicates broader systemic issues within multimedia processing components.