CVE-2016-3743

decoder/ih264d_api.c in mediaserver in Android 6.x before 2016-07-01 does not initialize certain data structures, which allows remote attackers to execute…

published July 11, 2016

CVSS
—
EPSS
1%
Percentile
64.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky oversight in Android’s media server can let attackers execute their own code with just a specially crafted media file! Think of it like a restaurant that forgets to check the freshness of ingredients in their dishes — when an unsuspecting diner orders, they could end up with a spoiled meal. In this case, the media file acts like that questionable dish, leading to unexpected and harmful results. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious code or potentially crash your device, causing a denial of service. This could mean anything from hijacking your data to simply rendering your device unusable until fixed, which is absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that forgets to check the freshness of ingredients in their dishes — when an unsuspecting diner orders, they could end up with a spoiled meal. In this case, the media file acts like that questionable dish, leading to unexpected and harmful results. This vulnerability arises because the decoder in mediaserver fails to initialize certain data structures. When a crafted media file is processed, this can result in memory corruption, allowing attackers to run arbitrary code.

What to do

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious code or potentially crash your device, causing a denial of service. This could mean anything from hijacking your data to simply rendering your device unusable until fixed, which is absolutely devastating! To mitigate this risk, ensure your Android device is updated to a version released after July 1, 2016. Regularly check for updates and consider using device management tools to enforce security patches. Don’t forget to educate users on the risks of unknown media files! You've got this! Stay vigilant, keep your devices updated, and you’ll keep the cyber villains at bay! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01075 · 64.5th percentile
Published
2016-07-11T01:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 JUL 01:00Z
    decoder/ih264d_api.c in mediaserver in Android 6.x before 2016-07-01 does not initialize certain data structures, which allows remote attackers to execute…
    cvelistv5