CVE-2017-13276 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CProgramConfig_ReadHeightExt of tpdec_asc.cpp, there is a possible stack buffer overflow due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to a 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-70637599.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13276 represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically in the tpdec_asc.cpp file where the CProgramConfig_ReadHeightExt function operates. This issue stems from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of audio configuration data, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted media files could trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. The vulnerability resides in the audio decoding component responsible for processing advanced audio coding data structures, making it particularly dangerous within the Android ecosystem where multimedia processing is ubiquitous.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the CProgramConfig_ReadHeightExt function processes height extension parameters without validating the input data against expected boundaries. This missing validation allows attackers to craft audio files containing oversized or malformed height extension data that overflows the allocated stack buffer. The buffer overflow creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent stack variables, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation requirements, as it enables remote code execution with no additional privileges needed for exploitation. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" while also aligning with "Command and Control" patterns since attackers can execute arbitrary code on targeted devices. 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, representing a substantial attack surface across the Android platform. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering tactics involving malicious media file attachments or downloads, making it particularly insidious in real-world scenarios.
The exploitation vector for CVE-2017-13276 requires an attacker to deliver a specially crafted audio file that triggers the vulnerable code path during media processing. When the Android device processes the malicious file, the buffer overflow occurs in the audio decoding pipeline, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media processing service. This vulnerability particularly affects devices that automatically process or play audio content, including smartphones, tablets, and other Android-based devices that handle multimedia files. The Android ID A-70637599 indicates this vulnerability was tracked through Google's internal security reporting system, emphasizing its significance within the Android security ecosystem and the need for immediate patch deployment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as well as implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability requires careful monitoring of media file processing activities and implementation of input validation controls within the audio decoding framework. Security teams should also consider network-based detection mechanisms that can identify and block suspicious audio file patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android versions and implement mobile device management policies that enforce security patches. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw with no privilege escalation requirements makes it particularly critical for enterprise security teams to address immediately through comprehensive patch management programs.