CVE-2017-6279 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA libnvmmlite_audio.so contains an elevation of privilege vulnerability when running in media server which may cause an out of bounds write and could lead to local code execution in a privileged process. This issue is rated as high. Product: Android. Version: N/A. Android: A-65023166. Reference: N-CVE-2017-6279.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6279 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within NVIDIA's libnvmmlite_audio.so library component that operates within the Android media server environment. This issue specifically affects Android systems and stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the audio processing subsystem. The vulnerability manifests when the media server process executes with elevated privileges, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw exists in the way the library handles audio data processing, particularly when managing memory allocation and buffer boundaries during audio stream manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the libnvmmlite_audio.so component processes malformed audio data through the media server interface. This memory corruption vulnerability allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the audio processing buffers, potentially overwriting critical system structures or executable code. The issue is particularly dangerous because it operates within a privileged process context, meaning that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities in system processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6279 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent threat vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to Android devices. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability enables local code execution within the privileged media server context, potentially allowing attackers to install malicious applications, modify system files, or establish backdoors for continued access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the media server process typically runs with elevated permissions and has access to various system resources and hardware components. The vulnerability affects Android versions that incorporate NVIDIA's proprietary media processing libraries, making it particularly relevant for devices utilizing NVIDIA Tegra processors and their associated multimedia frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from device manufacturers, as the flaw exists within the Android framework's core media processing components. Organizations and users should prioritize applying the latest security patches provided by their device vendors, as these updates typically include memory boundary checks and input validation improvements within the affected library. The recommended remediation approach includes implementing proper buffer management techniques and employing address space layout randomization to reduce exploitability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous audio processing behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary audio processing services and restricting media server privileges can further reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and highlights the necessity of thorough security testing for privileged processes that handle external input data streams.