CVE-2017-13280 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the FrameSequence_gif::FrameSequence_gif function of libframesequence, there is a out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to a remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not 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-71361451.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13280 resides within the FrameSequence_gif::FrameSequence_gif function of the libframesequence library component in Android operating systems. This represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the application fails to validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of gif image frame sequences where the software processes image data without proper boundary validation, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in mobile operating systems where multimedia processing is frequent and user interactions with various media formats are commonplace. 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 issue that spans several major Android releases and suggests the flaw was either introduced early in the codebase or was not properly addressed during security patches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper input validation when parsing gif file structures. When the FrameSequence_gif function processes a malformed gif image, it fails to verify that frame indices fall within acceptable ranges before attempting to access corresponding memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a predictable path for exploitation where an attacker can craft a specially formatted gif file that causes the application to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The nature of this flaw means that it operates entirely within the memory management boundaries of the application without requiring any additional privileges or execution contexts, making it particularly concerning for remote attack scenarios. The vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation, meaning that simply receiving or processing a malicious gif file can trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. This characteristic aligns with the common attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under the category of remote code execution via input validation flaws, specifically targeting mobile application processing components. The Common Weakness Enumeration categorizes this issue as a CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices where array access validations are insufficient or absent.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13280 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise the stability and security of affected Android devices. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause applications to crash or behave unpredictably, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt normal device functionality. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially deliver malicious gif files through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or messaging applications without requiring users to actively interact with the content. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter multimedia content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects the core multimedia processing capabilities of Android, which means that any application attempting to display or process gif images could potentially be exploited. The widespread impact across multiple Android versions suggests that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the image processing pipeline rather than an isolated issue in a specific component or version. From a security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in mobile operating systems, where the attack surface includes not only traditional application code but also the extensive multimedia processing capabilities that are integral to modern smartphone functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13280 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive programming practices. The primary solution involves applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular Android security updates, which include proper bounds checking implementations for the FrameSequence_gif function. Organizations and users should ensure that their Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those addressing the specific vulnerabilities in Android versions 6.0 through 8.1. Beyond patching, developers should implement defensive programming practices such as rigorous input validation, bounds checking, and proper memory management when processing multimedia content. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive testing of multimedia processing components, particularly those handling user-supplied content. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous image processing behavior and memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in industry standards and frameworks, including the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT Secure Coding Standards. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution technique, specifically targeting mobile application processing components through input validation flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based security controls to filter potentially malicious multimedia content and establish incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the need for continuous security monitoring in mobile environments where multimedia processing represents a significant attack surface.