CVE-2017-13201 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (mediadrm). Product: Android. Versions: 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-63982768.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13201 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the mediacomponent known as mediadrm. This vulnerability resides in the underlying media processing infrastructure that handles digital rights management operations for multimedia content on Android devices. The issue manifests when the system fails to properly validate input parameters during media processing operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized information exposure. The affected versions span across multiple Android releases including 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system. The flaw enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from the device's memory or system resources through manipulated media files or DRM operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the mediacomponent's processing pipeline. When the system processes media content or DRM-related operations, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the data structures being handled, leading to potential memory corruption or information leakage. The vulnerability typically occurs during the parsing or handling of media containers that contain specially crafted malicious data. Attackers can exploit this by creating or manipulating media files that trigger the vulnerable code path within the mediadrm component, potentially causing the system to leak memory contents or internal state information. This information disclosure can include sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, system memory addresses, or other confidential information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through standard media playback operations or DRM initialization processes, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by simply opening a malicious media file.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13201 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially reconstruct memory layouts, extract cryptographic secrets, or obtain information that would aid in bypassing security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization or other exploit mitigations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions means that a significant portion of the mobile device population remains at risk, particularly affecting older devices that may not receive timely security updates. The information leakage could compromise user privacy, device security, and the integrity of digital rights management systems that rely on secure processing of multimedia content. Additionally, the vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond normal media consumption, making it particularly dangerous for end users who may unknowingly encounter malicious content. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of Android devices and can facilitate further exploitation attempts such as privilege escalation or remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13201 focus primarily on applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. The vulnerability was addressed through Android security updates that included improved input validation and memory handling within the mediacomponent. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches available for their respective Android versions. Device administrators should implement robust update management policies to ensure timely deployment of security fixes. Network administrators should monitor for any suspicious media file handling activities or unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should avoid downloading media content from untrusted sources and should keep their devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile frameworks and demonstrates the necessity of comprehensive input validation. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in media processing components and establish incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining secure media processing pipelines and the potential consequences of insufficient input validation in system components that handle sensitive data processing operations.