CVE-2016-10281 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the MediaTek thermal driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as High because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: N/A. Android ID: A-28175647. References: M-ALPS02696475.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10281 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the MediaTek thermal driver component of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the kernel-level subsystem responsible for managing thermal conditions and temperature monitoring within mobile devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the driver implementation, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized kernel-level access. The flaw specifically manifests when the thermal driver fails to properly validate parameters passed from user-space applications, allowing crafted inputs to trigger unexpected behavior in the kernel context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first compromise a privileged process or gain local execution capabilities on the device, as indicated by the high severity rating. Once achieved, the malicious application can leverage the flawed thermal driver to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing the standard security boundaries that separate user-space applications from the core operating system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where a local attacker can elevate their execution context from user mode to kernel mode, enabling complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to Android devices utilizing MediaTek chipsets, as it allows for complete system compromise without requiring physical access or advanced exploitation techniques. The kernel-level execution capability enables attackers to modify system files, disable security features, install persistent backdoors, and access all device data including sensitive user information, communications, and cryptographic keys. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a driver component that is essential for device operation and typically runs with elevated privileges. This issue directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, specifically targeting the kernel as a critical attack surface for persistent system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10281 require immediate patching of affected MediaTek drivers through official Android security updates or device manufacturer firmware releases. Organizations should implement robust application sandboxing policies and monitor for suspicious kernel-level activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should conduct thorough security reviews of all kernel drivers and implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and demonstrates how seemingly benign system drivers can serve as critical attack vectors for full system compromise, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of all device drivers and system components.