CVE-2017-13313 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2024
In ElementaryStreamQueue::dequeueAccessUnitMPEG4Video of ESQueue.cpp, there is a possible infinite loop leading to resource exhaustion due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13313 resides within the ElementaryStreamQueue::dequeueAccessUnitMPEG4Video function in the ESQueue.cpp source file of a multimedia processing library. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited to cause resource exhaustion through an infinite loop condition. The issue stems from an improper bounds checking mechanism that fails to properly validate loop termination conditions during MPEG-4 video access unit processing. When malformed or specially crafted video data is processed, the function enters an infinite loop where it continuously iterates without advancing the necessary state variables to exit the loop structure. This condition directly violates the fundamental principle of bounded execution in software systems and creates a predictable denial of service scenario. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-835, which specifically addresses infinite loops or iterations that can lead to resource exhaustion, making it particularly dangerous in systems where continuous processing is expected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential system instability and resource consumption exhaustion. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious MPEG-4 video streams that trigger the problematic code path through user interaction, such as opening a specially prepared media file or visiting a web page containing embedded malicious video content. Once triggered, the infinite loop consumes CPU resources continuously, potentially leading to system slowdowns, application crashes, or complete system unresponsiveness depending on the implementation context. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require local privileges or elevated execution rights to cause damage, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for web-based media processing applications and streaming services. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion, and demonstrates how improper input validation can create persistent system degradation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13313 should focus on implementing robust bounds checking mechanisms and adding defensive programming practices to prevent loop termination conditions from becoming infinite. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the ESQueue.cpp file to correct the bounds checking logic, ensuring that loop counters properly advance and that maximum iteration limits are enforced. Developers should implement comprehensive input validation for MPEG-4 video streams, including size verification, format consistency checks, and maximum buffer limits to prevent malicious data from triggering the vulnerable code path. Additionally, implementing timeout mechanisms and resource monitoring can help detect and terminate runaway processes before they consume excessive system resources. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous processing patterns indicative of infinite loop conditions, while maintaining regular security updates and code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations. The fix should align with secure coding practices outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards and should be validated through comprehensive testing including fuzzing and boundary condition testing to ensure the infinite loop scenario is properly addressed.