CVE-2017-13148 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-65717533.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13148 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, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0, creating a significant security concern for devices running these operating system versions. The vulnerability resides in the multimedia processing capabilities of the Android platform, specifically within the MPEG-2 decoding functionality that forms part of the broader media framework architecture.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and handling within the libmpeg2 library implementation. When processing specially crafted MPEG-2 media files, the library fails to properly validate buffer boundaries and memory allocation parameters, leading to a potential out-of-bounds memory access condition. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and decoding process of malformed media content, where the library does not adequately check the integrity of incoming data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through media file manipulation. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of a buffer overflow condition that can cause the media framework to crash or become unresponsive.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can potentially allow attackers to induce persistent denial of service conditions on affected Android devices. When exploited, the vulnerability causes the media framework to crash, resulting in application failures and system instability that can affect multimedia applications, video playback functionality, and potentially the overall device responsiveness. The attack surface is broad since any application or service that processes MPEG-2 media content could be vulnerable to this flaw, including built-in media players, third-party applications, and system-level services that handle multimedia content. This vulnerability can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where Android devices are used for business-critical applications, as it may render devices unusable for extended periods, disrupting productivity and user experience. The issue is further compounded by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through various media delivery methods, including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfers, making it difficult to completely prevent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13148 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure all Android devices receive timely security updates, particularly focusing on the affected Android versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. The implementation of network-based security controls such as media content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for abnormal media processing behavior and potential exploitation attempts. From an architectural perspective, developers should ensure that all media processing components implement proper input validation and memory boundary checking, adhering to secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds and implementing proactive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts before they cause service disruption. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing device hardening measures that restrict media file processing capabilities where possible, particularly in high-security environments where the risk of exploitation is elevated. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for avoiding detection through system resource consumption, as the denial of service can be achieved without requiring elevated privileges and can be executed through standard media processing pathways.