CVE-2017-13277 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ihevcd_fmt_conv of ihevcd_fmt_conv.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to 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-72165027.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13277 resides within the ihevcd_fmt_conv component of the Android media processing framework, specifically in the ihevcd_fmt_conv.c source file. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that arises from the absence of proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. 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 ecosystem. The issue stems from the video decoding pipeline where the system processes multimedia content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard media playback operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where an attacker can write data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer. The flaw occurs during format conversion operations within the video decoder, where insufficient validation allows maliciously crafted media files to trigger memory corruption. This particular implementation lacks proper bounds checking when processing video frame data, enabling an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, typically through the delivery of malicious media content that triggers the vulnerable code path during normal media processing operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk for remote code execution without requiring additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted media files to a victim device, which when opened or played, triggers the vulnerable decoder function. The implications extend beyond simple exploitation as the vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries use system commands to gain control, and T1203, which involves legitimate user execution to establish persistence.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2017-13277 involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the video decoding pipeline, particularly in the ihevcd_fmt_conv function. Security patches should enforce strict validation of input parameters and buffer sizes before any memory operations occur. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Android security updates, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions and lacks the need for elevated privileges. Additionally, implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing and restricting media file handling through secure input validation can provide additional defense layers. The fix should address the root cause by ensuring all buffer operations include proper bounds checking, preventing any potential memory corruption that could lead to remote code execution.