CVE-2017-13198 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Android media framework (ex) related to composition of frames lacking a color map. Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-68399117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13198 resides within the Android media framework, specifically impacting how the system handles frame composition operations that lack proper color map initialization. This flaw affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, representing a significant security gap in the platform's multimedia processing capabilities. The issue stems from inadequate validation during the composition of video frames, particularly when color mapping information is either missing or improperly handled by the underlying media subsystem.
This vulnerability manifests as a potential denial of service condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted media content. The technical flaw occurs when the Android media framework attempts to process video frames that do not contain complete color mapping data, leading to improper memory handling and potential system instability. The absence of proper color map validation creates a scenario where the system may attempt to access invalid memory locations or perform operations on uninitialized data structures, which can result in system crashes or unexpected behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical risk to Android devices as it can be triggered through standard media playback operations. Attackers can craft specially formatted media files that, when processed by the affected Android versions, will cause the system to enter an unstable state. The impact extends beyond simple crashes to potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities, as the system's media processing capabilities are fundamental to device operation. The vulnerability affects all Android versions mentioned in the advisory, indicating a widespread exposure across the platform's user base.
The security implications of CVE-2017-13198 align with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation where the media framework fails to properly validate color mapping information before processing. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Google, which typically involve enhanced validation routines within the media framework's composition logic. Organizations should also implement media content filtering policies and consider network-level controls to prevent execution of potentially malicious media files, particularly in enterprise environments where device security is paramount. The Android ID A-68399117 indicates this vulnerability was tracked through Google's internal security tracking system, emphasizing its significance within the Android security ecosystem and the need for prompt remediation across all affected device models.