CVE-2017-6281 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA libnvomx contains a possible out of bounds write due to a improper input validation which could lead to local escalation of privilege. This issue is rated as high. Product: Android. Version: N/A. Android: A-66969318. Reference: N-CVE-2017-6281.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6281 resides within NVIDIA's libnvomx library component, which serves as a critical multimedia framework element in Android devices. This library implements the OpenMAX IL API for hardware-accelerated multimedia processing and is integral to the Android multimedia subsystem. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the library fails to properly validate input parameters during OMX component operations. The issue specifically affects Android versions where this library is integrated into the system, making it a significant concern for mobile device security. The vulnerability is classified as high severity due to its potential for privilege escalation, which represents a critical weakness in the Android security model.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the OMX component handling mechanism. When malicious input data is passed to the libnvomx library functions, the validation logic fails to adequately check array bounds or parameter limits before performing memory operations. This allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including critical system structures or control data. The flaw specifically relates to buffer management and input sanitization failures that are commonly categorized under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation leading to buffer overflows. The improper validation mechanism likely occurs during component parameter setting or data buffer allocation processes where the library does not properly verify the size or content of incoming data structures before processing them.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6281 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire Android system. An attacker with local access to the device can leverage this vulnerability to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining root access to the device. This represents a significant threat to device security since it allows unauthorized users to bypass normal access controls and system protections. The attack vector typically requires local system access and can be executed through malicious applications or compromised system components that interact with the vulnerable OMX library. The privilege escalation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can enable full device compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6281 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves applying the official Android security patches that address the input validation issues within the libnvomx library. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices to versions that include the patched library components, typically found in Android security updates released after the vulnerability disclosure. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help mitigate exploitation attempts even if the underlying vulnerability persists. Network security controls should also be enhanced to prevent unauthorized local access to affected devices, as the vulnerability requires local system access for exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and represents a critical weakness in the Android operating system's defense-in-depth model, particularly in the system and information integrity domains.