CVE-2017-13298 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A information disclosure vulnerability in the Android media framework (libhavc). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1. Android ID: A-72117051.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13298 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libhavc component that handles video decoding operations. This vulnerability manifests in Android versions 6.0 through 8.1, encompassing a significant portion of the mobile operating system's user base and creating widespread potential impact across various device types and manufacturers. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations during video processing, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure that could compromise sensitive system information.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of input parameters within the libhavc library, which processes H.264 video streams using the Advanced Video Coding standard. When the media framework encounters malformed or specially crafted video content, the library fails to properly bounds-check memory accesses, leading to information leakage through memory corruption patterns. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android media subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through seemingly benign media files that users might encounter during normal device operation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13298 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to extract sensitive system data including kernel memory contents, device configuration information, and potentially other confidential data stored in memory regions. This information could be leveraged by threat actors to conduct further attacks, including privilege escalation attempts or targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where users frequently encounter multimedia content from untrusted sources, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability could enable adversaries to gain access to system information that would otherwise be protected, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks within the Android ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates from device manufacturers, as Google released security patches addressing the issue through the Android Security Bulletin. Organizations should implement proactive monitoring for affected devices and ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Android devices within their operational environment. The patch addresses the memory handling issues by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the libhavc library, preventing the out-of-bounds memory access that previously led to information disclosure. Additionally, users should exercise caution when processing multimedia content from unknown sources and maintain current security software on their devices to reduce overall risk exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of core framework components that handle user input data.