CVE-2017-0872 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libskia). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID A-65290323.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0872 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libskia library component. This issue resides in the Android operating system's graphics rendering capabilities and was designated with the Android ID A-65290323. The vulnerability impacts multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these system versions. The flaw originates from improper handling of certain image data formats during the decoding process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a buffer overflow condition within the skia graphics library implementation. When processing specially crafted image files, particularly those containing malformed or oversized image data structures, the library fails to properly validate input parameters before performing memory operations. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the handling of image compression formats and metadata parsing, where insufficient bounds checking permits attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary instructions. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that compromise system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0872 extends beyond typical remote code execution scenarios due to the privileged nature of the affected components. Since libskia operates within the system framework and handles media processing tasks that are frequently accessed by various applications, an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or malicious applications. The vulnerability's remote nature means that no physical access or user interaction is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for mobile device users. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain full system control, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, though more accurately it aligns with T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as the exploitation chain involves privilege escalation through system-level component manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment and comprehensive system hardening measures. Android security updates released in August 2017 addressed this specific flaw through memory validation improvements and enhanced input sanitization within the libskia library. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches across all affected Android versions, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filters to block suspicious image file attachments, disabling automatic media processing for untrusted sources, and establishing robust mobile device management policies. Security professionals should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous system activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory safety issues within the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in system-level libraries and underscores the necessity of thorough input validation and memory safety mechanisms in mobile operating systems.