CVE-2016-10380 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the UE can send unprotected MeasurementReports revealing UE location.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10380 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel for their cellular communication stack. This weakness stems from improper handling of MeasurementReports within the User Equipment (UE) component of 3GPP cellular networks, specifically affecting devices that implement the Linux kernel as their underlying operating system. The vulnerability impacts all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aggregation Framework (CAF) and operate within cellular environments where location tracking mechanisms are active. The fundamental issue lies in the lack of proper protection mechanisms for sensitive location data that is transmitted during network measurement processes, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to precise geographical information about device users.
The technical flaw manifests when User Equipment components within Qualcomm-based devices fail to adequately secure MeasurementReports that are generated during cellular network operations. These MeasurementReports typically contain detailed location information including cell tower identifiers, signal strengths, and timing advance values that collectively enable triangulation of a device's physical location. The vulnerability occurs because the UE does not implement proper authentication or encryption mechanisms to protect these reports before transmission, allowing malicious actors to intercept and analyze the unprotected data streams. This weakness is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level within the Linux-based Android framework, meaning that the protection mechanisms are fundamentally flawed in the core communication protocols rather than being an application-level issue.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privacy concerns, as it enables comprehensive location tracking of mobile device users without their knowledge or consent. Attackers can leverage this weakness to construct detailed movement patterns of individuals, potentially enabling stalking, targeted advertising, or even criminal activities that exploit location data for malicious purposes. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products utilizing the Linux kernel in their Android implementations, creating a widespread security risk across numerous device models and manufacturers that rely on Qualcomm's cellular chipsets. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that depend on Qualcomm's baseband processors for cellular connectivity, making the attack surface extremely broad and potentially affecting millions of users globally.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10380 require both immediate and long-term approaches to address the fundamental flaw in the kernel-level cellular communication stack. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous MeasurementReport traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that device firmware updates are applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities in Qualcomm's implementation. The solution involves strengthening the security protocols within the Linux kernel's cellular subsystem to properly authenticate and encrypt MeasurementReports before transmission, preventing unauthorized access to location data. This aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in security implementations, and follows ATT&CK techniques related to reconnaissance and credential access. Device manufacturers must also consider implementing additional network-level protections and monitoring systems that can detect and block suspicious location data transmission patterns, while users should remain vigilant about their device security and ensure regular updates are installed to maintain protection against such vulnerabilities.