CVE-2016-0829 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The BnGraphicBufferProducer::onTransact function in libs/gui/IGraphicBufferConsumer.cpp in mediaserver in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY49H, and 6.x before 2016-03-01 does not initialize a certain output data structure, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information, and consequently bypass an unspecified protection mechanism, by triggering a QUEUE_BUFFER action, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 26338109.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0829 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android media framework that affects multiple versions of the operating system. This issue resides in the BnGraphicBufferProducer::onTransact function located in the libs/gui/IGraphicBufferConsumer.cpp file within the mediaserver process. The vulnerability stems from improper initialization of an output data structure during the handling of QUEUE_BUFFER actions, creating a pathway for attackers to extract sensitive information from memory. The flaw specifically manifests when the mediaserver processes buffer queue operations, allowing adversaries to exploit uninitialized memory regions and potentially access privileged system information that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted sequence of operations that triggers the QUEUE_BUFFER action within the graphics buffer management system. When an attacker successfully manipulates the media server to process a buffer queue operation, the uninitialized data structure inadvertently exposes memory contents that contain sensitive information. This information disclosure can potentially reveal system signatures or access credentials that grant elevated privileges within the Android security model. The vulnerability's classification as a data structure initialization flaw aligns with CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables in security-sensitive contexts. The weakness allows for indirect privilege escalation by providing attackers with information that could be leveraged to bypass protection mechanisms and gain access to system-level resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0829 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks within the Android security architecture. The vulnerability can potentially enable attackers to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels, which represent significant privileges within the Android permission model. This access level allows applications to perform operations that would normally be restricted to system components or applications with elevated permissions. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism that undermines the integrity of Android's security model by allowing unauthorized access to protected system resources. The vulnerability affects Android versions from 4.x through 5.1.1 and 6.x, representing a substantial portion of the Android ecosystem during the period when these versions were widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0829 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the uninitialized data structure issue in the mediaserver component. Android security updates released in March 2016 specifically targeted this vulnerability by ensuring proper initialization of the affected data structures during buffer queue operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Android devices receive the necessary updates. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of anomalous buffer queue operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in security-sensitive code, particularly in system-level components that handle graphics processing and buffer management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and information gathering activities that attackers can use to move laterally within the Android security model and gain deeper system access.