CVE-2017-0854 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (n/a). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-63873837.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0854 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework affecting multiple versions including Android 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. This vulnerability resides in the underlying media processing components that handle audio and video content, specifically impacting how the system manages media file metadata and associated data structures. The issue stems from improper validation and handling of media file parameters during processing, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data exposure. According to the Android security bulletin, this vulnerability allows malicious applications or attackers with local access to potentially extract sensitive information from the media framework components, including memory contents and internal data structures that should remain protected. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper information disclosure, making it a significant concern for mobile security. The Android ID A-63873837 indicates this was properly tracked within Google's internal security tracking system, reflecting the severity and impact of the issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Android media framework's handling of media files, particularly when processing malformed or specially crafted media content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious media files that trigger improper memory handling within the framework, leading to information leakage through memory corruption or buffer overflows. The flaw specifically affects the media framework's ability to properly validate input parameters, allowing for data exposure that could include sensitive system information, user data, or cryptographic keys. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level within the media processing pipeline, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard application-level security measures. The exploitation requires local access or the ability to install malicious media content, but once triggered, it can provide attackers with access to information that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0854 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to memory contents that might reveal system configurations, user credentials, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the device. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, meaning users with devices running these operating system versions are potentially exposed to this risk. Security researchers have noted that this type of information disclosure vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more serious attacks, particularly when combined with other exploits or when the leaked information includes system-level details that could be used for targeted attacks. The impact is particularly severe on devices that process a large volume of media content or those used in enterprise environments where sensitive data is frequently handled through media processing functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0854 focus primarily on applying the relevant Android security patches and updates released by Google to address the underlying media framework vulnerability. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest Android versions that contain the patched media framework components, as these updates include fixes for the improper information disclosure handling. System administrators should ensure that all enterprise-managed devices are updated promptly and that appropriate monitoring is in place to detect any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is addressed through proper input validation and memory handling within the media framework, implementing the principle of least privilege for media processing components, and ensuring that sensitive data is properly isolated during processing operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where mobile devices process sensitive information. Additionally, security teams should review their mobile device management policies to ensure that only trusted media content is processed on corporate devices, reducing the attack surface for this type of vulnerability.