CVE-2016-10298 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-36393252.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's proprietary kernel components that affect Android devices running the Android kernel. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the closed source Qualcomm drivers that handle sensitive system operations. The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to escalate their privileges from a regular user context to system-level access, effectively bypassing Android's security model. This weakness specifically manifests in the kernel's handling of certain system calls and memory management operations where Qualcomm's proprietary code fails to properly validate parameters or enforce proper access restrictions. The flaw exists in the interaction between Android's user space and Qualcomm's closed source kernel modules, creating a pathway for malicious code to gain unauthorized system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition or improper validation within Qualcomm's kernel drivers that process privileged operations. When legitimate system calls are made through the Android framework, the Qualcomm closed source components fail to properly validate the incoming parameters or check the caller's credentials before executing sensitive operations. This allows a malicious application or attacker with local execution privileges to manipulate the kernel interface and trigger unintended behavior that results in privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where the attacker can gain complete control over the device's functionality and access all system resources. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to security principles such as least privilege and input validation, which are fundamental requirements for secure kernel development. This issue aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and CWE-129 which covers insufficient input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete device compromise and potential data exfiltration. Once an attacker achieves system-level privileges through this vulnerability, they can manipulate any system component, install malicious applications, access encrypted data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The closed source nature of Qualcomm's components makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it cannot be easily patched or audited by the broader security community. Android devices utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets become vulnerable to attacks that can result in complete device takeover, making them susceptible to malware deployment, surveillance, and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability affects all Android versions that utilize Qualcomm's proprietary kernel components, creating a widespread impact across numerous device models and manufacturers who depend on Qualcomm's hardware platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from device manufacturers and users to address the root cause within Qualcomm's closed source components. Device vendors should prioritize the deployment of firmware updates that either patch the vulnerable Qualcomm kernel modules or implement workarounds to prevent exploitation. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from manufacturers, particularly those addressing kernel-level vulnerabilities. The implementation of additional security measures such as kernel address space layout randomization kASLR and kernel module signing can help reduce the exploitability of such vulnerabilities. Security researchers should continue monitoring for similar issues in Qualcomm's closed source components and report findings through appropriate channels. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing for proprietary kernel components and adherence to security standards such as those defined in the Android Security Model and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular assessment of third-party components and continuous monitoring for security flaws in their device ecosystems.