CVE-2017-13205 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libmpeg2). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-64550583.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13205 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libmpeg2 component responsible for handlingmpeg2 video decoding operations. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Android releases and suggesting the flaw was introduced early in the framework's development cycle. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations during video frame processing, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing specially craftedmpeg2 video files. When the libmpeg2 library processes malformed video streams, it fails to properly validate input parameters before accessing memory locations, resulting in the exposure of sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. This behavior aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where programs access memory beyond allocated buffers. The flaw operates at the kernel-level media framework components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious media files delivered via email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13205 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability can potentially expose sensitive system information including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or application data stored in memory. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could construct malicious media files that trigger the buffer over-read condition when processed by the affected Android versions. This capability allows for the extraction of confidential data that might otherwise remain protected within the system's memory space. The vulnerability's classification under the Android ID A-64550583 indicates it was properly documented and addressed by Google's security team, though the timeframe between discovery and patch release remains critical for system administrators and security professionals.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Android security patches released by Google, which typically address the underlying buffer over-read condition through proper input validation and memory boundary checking. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly audit their Android device fleets for compliance with security recommendations. Network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers, though they cannot fully compensate for the underlying vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation often involves crafting malicious payloads that trigger specific memory access patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns indicative of buffer over-read conditions, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.