CVE-2016-10284 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm video 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: Kernel-3.10, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-32402303. References: QC-CR#2000664.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2017
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's video driver implementation that operates at the kernel level, allowing local malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the driver's kernel-space components, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that ultimately enables full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel versions across various Android device manufacturers and their associated security implications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, which aligns with the high severity rating as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration standard under CWE-264. The flaw occurs when the video driver fails to properly validate parameters passed from user-space applications, allowing malicious input to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute unauthorized code sequences. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through kernel exploits, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactic. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious video processing commands or media files that trigger the vulnerable code path within the kernel driver.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's kernel space operations. Once successfully exploited, the malicious application can access all system resources, modify critical system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18 creates a significant security gap since these versions were widely deployed across numerous Android devices, affecting millions of users. The Android ID A-32402303 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed within Google's security framework, though the delay in patching could have allowed for widespread exploitation before remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched kernel versions that address the specific memory handling and input validation flaws within the Qualcomm video driver. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security patches to affected kernel versions, particularly focusing on the 3.10 and 3.18 branches where the vulnerability was identified. The implementation of kernel address space layout randomization KASLR and other exploit mitigations can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, Android security teams should consider implementing stricter input validation mechanisms and enhanced privilege separation between user-space applications and kernel drivers. Organizations should also monitor for any reported exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of kernel-level activities to detect potential compromise of systems running vulnerable kernel versions.