CVE-2017-13317 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
In HeifDecoderImpl::getScanline of HeifDecoderImpl.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13317 resides within the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) decoder implementation, specifically in the HeifDecoderImpl::getScanline function located in HeifDecoderImpl.cpp. This issue represents a critical security flaw that demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests as a potential out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited to extract sensitive information from memory, making it particularly dangerous in security contexts where information disclosure can lead to further compromise.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the HEIF decoder's scanline processing routine. When processing HEIF image files, the implementation fails to properly verify array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This weakness allows an attacker to craft specially malformed HEIF files that, when processed by the vulnerable decoder, can cause the application to read memory beyond intended buffer limits. The out-of-bounds read operation can potentially expose sensitive data such as stack contents, heap information, or other memory segments that may contain credentials, cryptographic keys, or system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges beyond normal file processing capabilities. An attacker can exploit this weakness by delivering a malicious HEIF file to a victim whose system processes such images, such as web browsers, image viewers, or mobile applications that support HEIF format. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning the target must open or process the malicious file, but once triggered, it can potentially reveal confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of information disclosure flaws that can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The implementation lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms and input sanitization, making it susceptible to memory corruption attacks. The attack surface extends across various applications that utilize the affected HEIF decoder, including mobile operating systems, web browsers, and image processing software. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected software components that utilize the vulnerable HEIF decoder implementation. System administrators should also implement content filtering mechanisms to prevent processing of untrusted HEIF files, particularly in enterprise environments where such files may be encountered through email attachments or web downloads. Additionally, application developers should ensure that all input validation routines include proper bounds checking and that memory access operations are protected against out-of-bounds conditions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those handling complex file formats like HEIF that require extensive parsing and decoding operations.