CVE-2016-10338 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, there was an issue related to RPMB processing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10338 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's implementation of the Reliability and Performance Monitoring Block (RPMB) functionality. This issue affects all Android releases that utilize the Linux kernel and are developed by the Code Aurora Forum, which serves as a major upstream source for Android kernel components. The RPMB is a specialized storage area designed to provide secure storage for sensitive data such as encryption keys, authentication credentials, and other critical system parameters. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of RPMB operations within the kernel's storage subsystem, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of protected data.
The technical flaw manifests in the kernel's processing of RPMB commands and data structures, where insufficient validation and sanitization mechanisms allow for malformed or malicious input to be processed without proper error checking. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the RPMB subsystem through carefully crafted inputs that exploit buffer overflows, memory corruption issues, or privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel's interaction with the RPMB hardware component and its associated software interfaces, potentially allowing unauthorized modification of protected data or complete bypass of security measures designed to protect sensitive information. This flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation could result in persistent access to critical system resources and data that should remain protected from normal user-space applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10338 extends beyond simple data corruption or access violations, as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture that Android relies upon for protecting sensitive user information and system integrity. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could potentially gain access to cryptographic keys used for device encryption, authentication credentials, or other security-sensitive data stored within the RPMB. This weakness also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, where malicious actors could elevate their system privileges to gain root access to the device. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Android devices handle confidential corporate data, as the vulnerability could enable complete compromise of mobile device security. According to the CWE database, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and potentially T1566, relating to credential access through exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10338 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and carriers, as the vulnerability affects core kernel functionality that cannot be adequately protected through software workarounds. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security updates and monitoring for similar issues within their Android device fleets. Device administrators should consider disabling RPMB-dependent features where possible and implementing additional security controls such as mandatory device encryption, secure boot processes, and regular security audits of mobile device configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of supply chain security, as it demonstrates how issues in upstream kernel components can affect millions of devices across different manufacturers. Security professionals should monitor for related vulnerabilities in the Android ecosystem and implement network-based detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should develop incident response procedures specifically tailored to mobile device security incidents, ensuring that security teams are prepared to respond quickly to exploitation attempts targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities like CVE-2016-10338.