CVE-2017-13203 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libavc). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-63122634.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13203 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libavc component that handles video encoding and decoding operations. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, making it a widespread issue across multiple Android releases that could potentially expose sensitive system information to unauthorized parties. The flaw resides in how the media framework processes certain video codec operations, creating a pathway for attackers to extract confidential data from the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the libavc library, which is part of the broader Android media framework responsible for processing multimedia content. When the system processes certain malformed video streams or specific codec parameters, the framework fails to properly validate the input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to disclose information from adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to read memory contents that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential system data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the leaked information for privilege escalation or further exploitation. Attackers could potentially use the disclosed information to craft more effective attacks against the device or to bypass security mechanisms that rely on the confidentiality of certain memory regions. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions means that a significant portion of the Android user base could be affected, particularly affecting devices that process multimedia content regularly or those that might be targeted through malicious media files. This exposure creates a substantial risk for users who may unknowingly encounter compromised media content, as the vulnerability can be triggered through standard media playback operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13203 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates. Organizations and users should ensure that all affected Android devices receive the latest security updates, particularly those addressing the media framework vulnerabilities in the libavc component. Additionally, implementing network-level controls to filter potentially malicious media content and employing mobile device management solutions can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for mobile operating systems, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the core multimedia processing capabilities of Android. Security professionals should also consider monitoring for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where users may be exposed to untrusted media content, and implement proper input validation controls to minimize the attack surface.