CVE-2016-10236 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Qualcomm USB driver. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-33280689. References: QC-CR#1102418.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10236 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Qualcomm USB driver component of the Android kernel ecosystem. This weakness specifically targets the handling of USB communication protocols and data processing within the Android operating system's kernel space. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and processing of USB control requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized data exposure through the USB subsystem. The issue affects multiple Android versions and devices that utilize Qualcomm hardware components, making it particularly widespread across the mobile platform landscape.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malformed USB control requests that trigger improper memory handling within the kernel driver. The flaw manifests when the USB driver fails to properly validate input parameters during control transfer operations, potentially allowing malicious actors to access kernel memory regions that should remain protected. This information disclosure occurs at the kernel level where sensitive data structures, memory addresses, or device state information could be exposed through crafted USB communication sequences. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure weaknesses in software systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw by connecting malicious USB devices or exploiting USB communication channels to extract confidential information from the device's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10236 extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks within the Android security model. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain access to sensitive kernel data that could include device identifiers, memory layouts, or other confidential information that could be used to facilitate further exploitation. This type of information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through system interfaces, and T1068, which covers local privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability particularly affects devices where USB debugging is enabled or where the device accepts external USB connections, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors. The exposure of kernel memory structures provides attackers with valuable intelligence for developing more targeted exploits against the Android system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android kernel versions through official security updates from device manufacturers and Google. System administrators should disable unnecessary USB debugging features and implement strict USB connection policies on managed devices. The Android security model recommends enabling USB debugging only when required for development purposes and ensuring that USB connections are properly authenticated and authorized. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security patches that address the improper input validation within the Qualcomm USB driver components. Additional protective measures include implementing USB device whitelisting mechanisms and monitoring USB communication patterns for suspicious activity. Organizations should also consider network-level controls that restrict USB device access to authorized personnel and establish clear policies for USB device usage in enterprise environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel-level input validation and memory management practices in preventing information disclosure attacks.