CVE-2016-10289 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm crypto 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-33899710. References: QC-CR#1116295.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10289 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm crypto driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness exists in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning as these represent widely deployed kernel versions across various Android devices. The vulnerability allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, fundamentally compromising the system's security model. The issue is classified as High severity because it requires the initial compromise of a privileged process, which serves as a prerequisite for exploitation. This prerequisite significantly impacts the attack surface and execution complexity, as it necessitates an initial foothold within the system before the more dangerous privilege escalation can occur. The Android ID A-33899710 provides specific tracking for this vulnerability within the Android security ecosystem, while the Qualcomm reference QC-CR#1116295 indicates the vendor-specific tracking and resolution process.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and privilege management within the Qualcomm crypto driver implementation. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the crypto driver through kernel interfaces, insufficient boundary checks and access controls allow for memory corruption or privilege bypass mechanisms. This typically manifests through improper handling of ioctl commands or buffer operations that should be restricted to privileged processes only. The vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which specifically addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls within software systems. The kernel crypto driver's failure to properly validate user-space inputs before executing privileged operations creates a pathway for privilege escalation. This flaw exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing unprivileged code to manipulate kernel-level resources that should remain restricted to system processes. The attack vector typically involves a crafted application that leverages the crypto driver's interface to perform operations that would normally require kernel-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once successfully exploited, the malicious application gains kernel-level access, enabling it to manipulate system memory, modify critical kernel structures, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This level of access allows for complete bypass of Android's security model, including SELinux policies, application sandboxing, and other security mechanisms that normally protect system integrity. The vulnerability affects devices running the specified kernel versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a broad range of Android smartphones and tablets. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify system files, install malicious applications, or even disable security features entirely. The compromise of the crypto driver specifically impacts cryptographic operations, potentially allowing attackers to decrypt sensitive communications or forge cryptographic signatures. This vulnerability directly contradicts the security principles established by the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving kernel-mode exploitation and driver-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10289 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through official Android security updates. Organizations and device manufacturers must prioritize deployment of kernel updates that address the privilege escalation flaw in the Qualcomm crypto driver. The patching process should include verification of the update's integrity and compatibility with existing device configurations to prevent system instability. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from their manufacturers, as the vulnerability requires a privileged process compromise before exploitation can occur. Device administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as High severity necessitates immediate action, as it represents a significant risk to device security and user privacy. Security teams should also implement application whitelisting policies and monitor for applications that attempt to access kernel interfaces directly. Additionally, the incident highlights the importance of proper driver security implementation and the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel modules before deployment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of driver security within mobile operating systems and the potential consequences of inadequate privilege controls in kernel-level components.