CVE-2017-13182 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the sendFormatChange function of ACodec, there is a possible integer overflow which could lead to an out-of-bounds write. This could lead to a local elevation of privilege enabling code execution as a privileged process with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-67737022.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13182 resides within the multimedia framework of Android operating systems, specifically in the ACodec component that handles audio and video encoding and decoding operations. This flaw exists in Android versions 8.0 and 8.1, representing a critical security issue that affects the core media processing capabilities of these mobile platforms. The vulnerability manifests in the sendFormatChange function, which serves as a crucial interface for managing format transitions within the media codec system, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise device security.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of format change requests within the media codec pipeline. When the sendFormatChange function processes incoming data, it fails to properly validate or constrain integer values that determine buffer sizes or array indices, leading to a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input parameters to cause arithmetic overflow. This overflow results in a calculation that produces an unexpectedly large value, which then gets used as an index or size parameter for memory operations. The resulting out-of-bounds write condition allows arbitrary memory locations to be overwritten, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executable code segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. An attacker with access to a compromised device can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively gaining control over the system's privileged processes. This represents a complete breakdown of the Android security model's privilege separation mechanisms, as the vulnerability allows code execution at the system level without the need for physical access or additional attack vectors. The exploitation process leverages the media processing framework's inherent trust in input parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal media playback or streaming activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how media processing components can serve as attack vectors in mobile operating systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactic where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that exploitation occurs within the context of an existing user session, making it particularly insidious as it can be triggered by legitimate media applications or malicious code running within the same privilege level. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly trigger the exploit through normal media consumption activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13182 focus primarily on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the integer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking within the ACodec component. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected Android 8.0 and 8.1 devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management solutions can facilitate rapid patch deployment. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based monitoring to detect anomalous media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as maintaining strict application permissions and sandboxing policies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities and regularly auditing media applications for potential privilege escalation vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in system components that handle user input and process sensitive data, particularly in mobile environments where the attack surface is continuously expanding through multimedia functionalities.