CVE-2017-0873 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service vulnerability in the Android media framework (libmpeg2). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID A-63316255.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0873 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 library component. This issue manifests in Android versions 6.0 through 8.0, encompassing a significant portion of the mobile operating system's user base. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed MPEG-2 video streams within the media processing pipeline, creating a scenario where specially crafted media files can trigger system instability and complete service disruption.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the libmpeg2 library implementation. When the Android media framework processes MPEG-2 video streams, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of these media files before attempting decompression and rendering operations. This weakness creates a condition where malformed data can cause memory corruption or stack overflow conditions during the decoding process. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media files shared via instant messaging platforms. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0873 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire device functionality and user experience. Affected devices can experience complete system freezes, application crashes, and in severe cases may require complete device reboot to recover from the denial of service condition. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by creating an attack surface that allows unauthenticated remote exploitation through media processing components. The flaw is particularly concerning from an attacker's perspective as it can be triggered automatically when users open or preview malicious media files, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through media processing channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0873 primarily involve applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which include updated versions of the libmpeg2 library with proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly audit device configurations to ensure all patches are applied. Network-level defenses should include media file scanning and filtering mechanisms to prevent malicious media content from reaching end-user devices. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining up-to-date device software. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in media processing libraries and demonstrates how seemingly benign components can become significant security risks when proper input validation is omitted. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.