CVE-2016-10335 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, libtomcrypt was updated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10335 represents a security update within the Android operating system ecosystem that specifically addresses modifications to the libtomcrypt cryptographic library. This update was implemented across all Android releases developed by Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that utilize the Linux kernel as their foundational operating system framework. The libtomcrypt library serves as a comprehensive cryptographic toolkit that provides various encryption, hashing, and digital signature algorithms essential for maintaining secure communications and data protection within mobile devices. The update in question indicates that the cryptographic library received modifications that were deemed necessary to address potential security weaknesses or vulnerabilities within the implementation of cryptographic functions. This type of update is particularly significant in mobile environments where cryptographic operations directly impact the security of user data, network communications, and device integrity.
The technical flaw addressed by this update likely involves improvements to the cryptographic implementation within the libtomcrypt library that could have been susceptible to various attack vectors including but not limited to side-channel attacks, implementation weaknesses, or algorithmic vulnerabilities. The Linux kernel integration means that these cryptographic functions are available at the system level, potentially affecting multiple applications and services that depend on secure cryptographic operations. The update process would have required careful consideration of backward compatibility while ensuring that the cryptographic functions maintain their intended security properties. This vulnerability classification aligns with common cryptographic weaknesses documented under CWE-310 and related cryptographic vulnerabilities, where improper implementation of cryptographic functions can lead to security breaches. The update process demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date cryptographic libraries in mobile operating systems, as cryptographic vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences for user privacy and data security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate cryptographic functions to encompass the entire Android security framework that relies on secure cryptographic operations. Mobile devices utilizing affected Android versions would have been potentially vulnerable to attacks that exploit weaknesses in the cryptographic implementation, particularly those targeting the specific algorithms or implementation patterns used within libtomcrypt. The update process required careful coordination between the Code Aurora Forum and Android device manufacturers to ensure consistent deployment across different hardware platforms and software configurations. Organizations managing Android-based systems would need to prioritize the deployment of this update to maintain security posture, as cryptographic vulnerabilities in mobile environments can enable attackers to compromise user data, intercept communications, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical nature of cryptographic library maintenance in mobile environments, where the attack surface is expanded by the integration of various security services and applications that depend on secure cryptographic foundations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve comprehensive deployment of the updated libtomcrypt library across all affected Android devices and systems that utilize the Code Aurora Forum's kernel implementations. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize the update process to ensure that all cryptographic functions within the Android ecosystem are protected against potential exploitation. The implementation of proper patch management processes becomes critical in maintaining the security of mobile platforms, particularly when dealing with cryptographic libraries that form the foundation of security services. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting cryptographic weaknesses, utilizing frameworks such as the MITRE ATT&CK matrix that categorizes adversary tactics including credential access and defense evasion. Regular security assessments of cryptographic implementations within mobile operating systems should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure that cryptographic libraries remain up-to-date with current security standards and best practices. The update process should be complemented by proper security training for personnel managing mobile device security to ensure awareness of cryptographic vulnerabilities and their potential impact on overall system security.