CVE-2016-10286 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-3.18. Android ID: A-35400904. References: QC-CR#1090237.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2017
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm video driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.18. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the driver's kernel space implementation, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The vulnerability's classification as High severity reflects the substantial attack surface it provides, as it requires only local execution privileges to potentially gain complete system control. The Android ID A-35400904 and Qualcomm reference QC-CR#1090237 indicate this was properly tracked within the Android security framework and Qualcomm's internal vulnerability management processes. The flaw likely involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or improper privilege checks that allow a compromised process to manipulate kernel memory structures or function pointers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic kernel exploitation vector where a local application with standard user privileges can leverage driver flaws to execute code in kernel context. This typically occurs through improper validation of user-supplied data passed to kernel driver interfaces, potentially involving ioctl commands or direct memory access operations. The attack requires an initial compromise of a privileged process or application that can then utilize the driver vulnerability to escalate privileges. This aligns with CWE-119 which addresses improper access to memory locations and CWE-20 which covers input validation issues in software systems. The vulnerability's exploitation would likely follow patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities to gain system-level control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to bypass Android security mechanisms, access encrypted data, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. Mobile devices running affected kernel versions become particularly vulnerable to sophisticated attacks where an initial compromise of an application can lead to complete device takeover. The kernel 3.18 version indicates this affects devices from the Android 6.0 and earlier releases, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where legacy devices may still be in use. Organizations should note that the vulnerability's exploitation path requires a compromised application context, making it less likely to occur through remote attacks but more dangerous in scenarios involving social engineering or application compromise. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to mobile device security and aligns with the broader category of kernel-level exploits that have been documented in the mobile security landscape.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, ensuring all devices are updated to kernel versions that address the specific Qualcomm driver vulnerability. System administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that proper input validation, memory safety checks, and privilege separation mechanisms within kernel drivers are essential defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel drivers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive code reviews and static analysis tools that can identify similar memory safety issues. The remediation process should include verification that the patch effectively addresses the specific buffer overflow or privilege escalation vector identified in the Qualcomm security advisory.