CVE-2017-13235 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A other vulnerability in the Android media framework (n/a). Product: Android. Versions: 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. ID: A-68342866.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13235 represents a critical security flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system including Android 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, and 8.1. This issue resides within the multimedia processing components that handle various media file formats and streaming protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through malicious media content delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or other attack vectors. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of media framework flaws that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution on mobile devices. According to the Android security bulletin, this specific vulnerability was classified as an "other" type issue without detailed technical classification, indicating it may involve multiple attack surfaces or complex interactions within the media processing pipeline.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of media file parsing and processing within the Android framework's native code components. Attackers could potentially craft specially malformed media files that trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other memory safety issues when the Android media framework attempts to decode or process these files. The flaw likely exists in the underlying media codecs or parsing libraries that handle various multimedia formats such as mp4, avi, or other container formats. This type of vulnerability typically operates at the system level where it can bypass normal application sandboxing mechanisms and potentially escalate privileges to system level access. The vulnerability's classification as an "other" type suggests it may involve complex interactions between multiple components or could be a novel exploitation technique that doesn't neatly fit into standard vulnerability categories.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13235 extends beyond simple media processing failures, as it represents a potential pathway for full device compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially enabling them to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, monitor communications, or even modify system files. The affected Android versions span a significant portion of the mobile market, meaning millions of devices could be at risk from this vulnerability. The media framework is frequently accessed through various applications and system services, making this a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to mobile devices. This vulnerability could be leveraged in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers use the media framework as an initial access vector to establish footholds on target devices, particularly in high-value targets such as enterprise users or government personnel.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13235 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as Google released patches for this vulnerability in their regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as content filtering to block suspicious media file downloads and enforce strict mobile device management policies that prevent installation of untrusted applications. Users should be educated about the risks of downloading media content from untrusted sources and should regularly update their devices to ensure they have the latest security patches. Network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing solutions that isolate media processing functions and limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows command and scripting interpreter, though adapted for mobile environments, and could be categorized under CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow or CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflow depending on the specific exploitation mechanism. Given the nature of media framework vulnerabilities, security teams should also implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual media processing activity and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to mobile device exploitation scenarios.