CVE-2017-13250 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ih264d_fmt_conv_420sp_to_420p of ih264d_utils.c, there is an out of bound write due to a missing out of bounds check because of a multiplication error. This could lead to an remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-71375536.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-13250 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Android media processing subsystem, specifically affecting the H.264 video decoding component. This issue resides in the ih264d_fmt_conv_420sp_to_420p function within the ih264d_utils.c source file, which handles format conversion operations for video frames during decoding processes. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate array indices during memory operations, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical root cause stems from a multiplication error that bypasses necessary bounds checking mechanisms within the video decoding pipeline. When processing H.264 video streams, the decoder performs format conversions from 420sp (semi-planar) to 420p (planar) memory layouts, which requires careful handling of memory pointers and array calculations. The multiplication error in the calculation logic results in incorrect memory address computations, allowing the system to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more broadly aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction beyond the initial exploitation trigger. The attack vector requires user interaction, typically through malicious media content or crafted video files that when processed by the vulnerable Android system, initiate the flawed decoding sequence. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter multimedia content from untrusted sources, including email attachments, messaging applications, or web browsing activities. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 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 platform and suggesting that the underlying flaw was present in the core media processing libraries.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK tactics and techniques including TA0002 (Execution) through T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and TA0005 (Defense Evasion) through T1070.004 (Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion). The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious video content that triggers the buffer overflow during format conversion, which then allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media processing service. The Android ID A-71375536 indicates this vulnerability was tracked through Google's internal security reporting system, highlighting its significance in the mobile security landscape. Organizations and users should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a critical security risk that could lead to full system compromise when exploited by malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Android versions, along with network-level filtering of suspicious media content and user education regarding safe browsing practices. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual media processing activities and consider network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing libraries, emphasizing the need for robust security testing in media handling components that process untrusted input data.