CVE-2016-0844 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Qualcomm RF driver in Android 6.x before 2016-04-01 does not properly restrict access to socket ioctl calls, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 26324307.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0844 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm RF driver component of Android 6.0 operating system versions. This issue stems from inadequate access controls governing socket ioctl calls, which are essential system interfaces for configuring and managing network communication parameters. The flaw affects devices running Android 6.x versions prior to the 2016-04-01 security patch release, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by malicious applications. The vulnerability was internally tracked as bug 26324307, indicating its classification within Qualcomm's security tracking systems and highlighting the severity of the access control bypass.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Qualcomm RF driver's improper handling of ioctl system calls that are typically restricted to privileged system components. When applications attempt to execute socket ioctl operations, the driver fails to validate whether the requesting process possesses appropriate authorization levels. This access control failure allows unprivileged applications to manipulate low-level radio frequency communication parameters that should only be accessible to system-level processes. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which malicious software can elevate its privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources that are normally protected from user-space applications. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate radio frequency communication settings that could be used for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially intercept network communications, modify radio frequency parameters, or even disable critical communication services on the device. The implications are particularly severe because radio frequency drivers often have direct access to hardware components and system resources that are fundamental to device operation. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access to devices, potentially enabling surveillance capabilities or further exploitation of other system components. The attack surface is significantly broadened as the compromised RF driver could be leveraged to compromise additional system functionalities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0844 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and Google as part of the Android security updates. Organizations and users must ensure that all Android 6.x devices are updated to versions released after April 1, 2016, which contain the necessary fixes for the ioctl access control vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce timely security updates and monitor for unauthorized applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The fix typically involves strengthening access control checks within the Qualcomm RF driver to properly validate the privileges of processes attempting to execute ioctl operations. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through local system exploits, and addresses the underlying access control weakness that enables such attacks. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections and monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.