CVE-2017-5217 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Certain Samsung Android devices running KK(4.4), L(5.0/5.1), and M(6.0) software may experience continuous crashes of the system_server process when a zero-permission Android application is installed. This issue occurs when the zero-permission app includes an embedded app within it, creating an active install session. Samsung has identified this issue as SVE-2016-6917.

Understanding CVE-2017-5217

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in certain Samsung Android devices that can lead to system_server process crashes.

What is CVE-2017-5217?

Installing a zero-permission Android application on specific Samsung devices can cause the system_server process to crash due to memory limitations.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5217

Continuous crashes of the system_server process on affected Samsung devices
Soft reboots triggered by the system_server crash

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5217

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Zero-permission Android app installation causing system_server process crashes
Introduction of com.android.server.pm.PackagePrefetcher class by Samsung

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Android devices running KK(4.4), L(5.0/5.1), and M(6.0) software

Exploitation Mechanism

Active install session of embedded app writing APK file to /data/app directory
Parsing APKs in /data/app directory leading to crashes

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE-2017-5217 vulnerability, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid installing zero-permission Android applications on affected Samsung devices
Regularly check for security updates from Samsung

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict app installation policies
Educate users on safe app installation practices

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Samsung to mitigate the vulnerability