CVE-2016-10237 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
If shared content protection memory were passed as the secure camera memory buffer by the HLOS to a trusted application (TA) in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the TA would not detect an issue and it would be treated as secure memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Android security framework where the Hypervisor Level Operating System HLOS fails to properly validate memory buffer types when passing secure camera memory buffers to trusted applications. The flaw occurs specifically in Qualcomm Android Framework implementations where the HLOS does not perform adequate checks to distinguish between shared content protection memory and actual secure camera memory buffers. When a trusted application receives such a buffer, it processes it as if it were legitimate secure memory without proper verification mechanisms. This represents a critical breakdown in the memory isolation principles that protect sensitive camera data from unauthorized access or manipulation. The vulnerability affects all Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel through Qualcomm Android Framework implementations, creating a widespread security risk across multiple device generations and manufacturers using Qualcomm chipsets.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient memory type validation within the inter-process communication pathways between the HLOS and trusted applications. The trusted application operates under the assumption that all memory buffers passed to it are legitimate secure memory, without performing cryptographic verification or memory attribute checks that should confirm the buffer's actual security classification. This design oversight creates a privilege escalation vector where malicious actors could potentially manipulate memory buffers to gain unauthorized access to camera data or execute code within the trusted application context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-252 weakness category related to insufficient validation of security-critical inputs, and represents a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it allows for unauthorized access to sensitive camera functionality through improper memory handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential full system compromise through camera data manipulation. Attackers could exploit this flaw to access sensitive visual information, potentially capture images from secure environments, or use the camera as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects devices where camera functionality is integrated with security features such as biometric authentication, secure communications, or protected document scanning. The attack surface includes any device running affected Android versions with Qualcomm chipsets, making it a significant concern for enterprise security and personal privacy protection. Organizations using these devices for sensitive operations or those handling confidential information face increased risk of data breaches, while end-users experience compromised privacy and potential identity theft through unauthorized camera access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust memory buffer validation mechanisms within the HLOS before passing memory to trusted applications. System updates and patches should enforce strict type checking and cryptographic verification of memory buffers to prevent unauthorized access to secure camera functionality. Device manufacturers should implement additional runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Security configurations should include mandatory memory attribute validation and secure memory allocation checks that prevent the acceptance of invalid buffer types. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerable devices and ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in secure environments and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle. Implementation of defense-in-depth strategies including memory sandboxing, access control enforcement, and continuous monitoring of trusted application behavior can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular security audits should verify that memory validation mechanisms are functioning correctly and that no unauthorized memory buffer types are being accepted by trusted applications.