CVE-2016-10275 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm bootloader could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require reflashing the operating system to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: N/A. Android ID: A-34514954. References: QC-CR#1009111.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-10275 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm bootloader component that forms the foundation of Android device security architecture. This vulnerability exists at the lowest level of the system where the bootloader executes before the operating system loads, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent control over mobile devices. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the bootloader's code execution flow, allowing malicious applications with local access to potentially escalate their privileges to kernel level execution. The implications are severe as this flaw operates at a level below the traditional Android security model, bypassing standard application sandboxing and permission controls that normally protect system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific code path within the Qualcomm bootloader that fails to properly validate input parameters or execution contexts during the boot process. When a malicious application attempts to leverage this flaw, it can manipulate the bootloader's execution flow to gain kernel-level privileges without proper authentication or authorization checks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and specifically relates to the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can compromise entire system architectures. The attacker does not require remote network access or complex attack vectors; instead, they need only local application-level access to potentially achieve complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a permanent compromise scenario where malicious actors can maintain persistent access to affected devices without requiring additional exploitation steps. The kernel-level execution context provides attackers with complete control over device operations including access to all system resources, data storage, and communication channels. The severity classification as Critical reflects the fact that such compromises typically require complete device reinstallation through factory reset procedures or system reflashing to fully remediate the issue. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where device integrity is paramount, such as enterprise networks or security-sensitive applications.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10275 primarily involve firmware updates from device manufacturers that address the specific bootloader validation issues. Qualcomm has released patches to resolve this vulnerability through updated bootloader implementations that properly validate execution contexts and parameter inputs. Organizations should prioritize applying these security updates immediately to protect their device fleets, as the vulnerability affects the fundamental boot process that cannot be patched through standard Android security updates alone. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability, though detection remains challenging due to the low-level nature of the flaw. The remediation process typically requires device re-flashing or factory reset procedures, making this vulnerability particularly disruptive to device availability and user experience.