CVE-2016-0828 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The BnGraphicBufferConsumer::onTransact function in libs/gui/IGraphicBufferConsumer.cpp in mediaserver in Android 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY49H and 6.x before 2016-03-01 does not initialize a certain slot variable, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information, and consequently bypass an unspecified protection mechanism, by triggering an ATTACH_BUFFER action, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 26338113.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0828 resides within the Android mediaserver component, specifically in the BnGraphicBufferConsumer::onTransact function located in libs/gui/IGraphicBufferConsumer.cpp. This flaw affects Android versions 5.x prior to 5.1.1 LMY49H and 6.x prior to the 2016-03-01 security patch release, representing a critical information disclosure vulnerability that undermines the system's security model. The issue stems from improper initialization of a slot variable within the graphic buffer consumer interface, creating a potential attack vector that allows malicious actors to extract sensitive information from the system's memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker triggers an ATTACH_BUFFER action against the vulnerable mediaserver process. This particular function call pathway fails to properly initialize a critical slot variable, leading to the exposure of uninitialized memory contents that may contain sensitive data. The uninitialized memory could potentially contain cryptographic keys, access tokens, or other system-level information that would normally be protected by Android's security mechanisms. This flaw specifically enables attackers to bypass unspecified protection mechanisms, potentially gaining access to Signature or SignatureOrSystem level privileges which represent significant escalation opportunities within the Android security architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a serious threat to Android device security as it allows for privilege escalation without requiring local access or user interaction. The ability to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access means attackers could potentially install malicious applications with elevated permissions, access protected system resources, or manipulate core Android services. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which specifically addresses the security implications of using variables that have not been properly initialized. The attack vector demonstrates a classic information disclosure weakness that can be leveraged for further exploitation, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the device's security boundaries.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model where sensitive information flows through the graphic buffer consumer interface. This weakness in the mediaserver component affects the entire Android multimedia framework and could potentially be exploited to compromise the integrity of the system's security architecture. Security researchers have noted that such uninitialized variable vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones for more complex attacks, particularly when they can be leveraged to gain access to system-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would likely map to privilege escalation techniques, specifically those involving information disclosure to gain elevated access rights. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Android security patches, monitoring for suspicious activity in the mediaserver process, and implementing additional security controls to prevent unauthorized access to system resources that could be exploited through this vulnerability.