CVE-2016-0805 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The performance event manager for Qualcomm ARM processors in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY49G, and 6.x before 2016-02-01 allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 25773204.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0805 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the performance event manager component of Qualcomm ARM processors running Android versions prior to specific security patches. This issue affects Android 4.x systems before 4.4.4, Android 5.x systems before 5.1.1 LMY49G, and Android 6.x systems before the 2016-02-01 security update. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the kernel-level performance monitoring subsystem, which is responsible for handling performance events and counters on ARM-based mobile devices. The flaw specifically impacts the interaction between user-space applications and kernel-space performance monitoring mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious applications to escalate their privileges from standard user-level access to kernel-level privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the performance event manager's handling of performance monitoring unit (PMU) events and the associated privilege checks that should prevent unprivileged access to kernel resources. When a crafted application attempts to manipulate performance event counters or access PMU registers through the kernel interface, the system fails to properly validate the requesting process's privileges or the legitimacy of the requested operations. This validation failure creates a path where malicious code can manipulate kernel memory or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the standard Android security model. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of kernel security boundaries and performance monitoring interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate system functionality to achieve unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once exploited, the malicious application can access all system resources, read sensitive data, modify system files, install malicious software, and potentially disable security features. The attack vector requires only a crafted application that can be installed by a user, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where users frequently download applications from various sources. This vulnerability affects millions of Android devices worldwide, as Qualcomm's ARM processors were widely used in smartphones and tablets across multiple manufacturers. The exploitation process typically involves leveraging the performance event manager's API to manipulate kernel memory structures or access privileged registers, which then allows the attacker to execute code with kernel-level privileges and establish persistent access to the compromised device.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-0805 primarily involve applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google and device manufacturers. The fix typically includes enhanced input validation within the performance event manager, stricter privilege checks for PMU access, and modifications to the kernel's performance monitoring subsystem to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Organizations and users should ensure all Android devices are updated to versions containing the security patches, specifically Android 4.4.4, 5.1.1 LMY49G, and the corresponding 2016-02-01 security updates for Android 6.x. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious application behavior and consider device lockdown measures for critical environments. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level security in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system components that interface with hardware performance monitoring features.