CVE-2016-10381 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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10381 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel stack. This weakness specifically affects devices running Android versions that incorporate Qualcomm's Communication Authentication Framework components, creating a significant exposure in cellular network communications. The issue stems from improper handling of MeasurementReports within the User Equipment (UE) implementation, which allows malicious actors to intercept and analyze these packets without proper cryptographic protection or authentication mechanisms. The flaw exists at the intersection of mobile network protocols and kernel-level implementations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a foundational layer of device security.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient protection mechanisms applied to MeasurementReports generated by User Equipment within the LTE/3G cellular network stack. These reports typically contain sensitive location information including signal strength measurements, cell identity data, and timing advance values that can be used to triangulate user positions with remarkable accuracy. When MeasurementReports are transmitted without proper encryption or integrity protection, they become vulnerable to interception and analysis by attackers positioned within the network or those capable of monitoring cellular traffic. The vulnerability manifests when the UE fails to apply appropriate security controls to these measurement packets, effectively creating a data leakage channel that exposes precise location information to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple location tracking, representing a comprehensive privacy breach that can enable sophisticated surveillance operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform passive location tracking of targeted individuals, creating detailed movement patterns and behavioral profiles that could be used for malicious purposes including stalking, corporate espionage, or criminal activities. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android and the Linux kernel, meaning that millions of devices across various manufacturers are potentially exposed. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's baseband processors, creating a widespread attack surface that spans multiple device categories and operating system versions. The implications are particularly severe given that these devices typically maintain continuous connectivity to cellular networks, ensuring persistent exposure to potential attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require multiple layers of defensive measures addressing both the immediate security gap and broader network exposure. Device manufacturers should implement proper encryption and authentication mechanisms for all MeasurementReports within the cellular stack, ensuring that location data cannot be extracted without proper authorization. Network operators must enhance their monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous MeasurementReport patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper access controls and cryptographic protection for cellular signaling messages should be enforced through firmware updates and security patches. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 and CWE-311 categories related to cryptographic weaknesses and missing encryption, while also mapping to ATT&CK techniques involving information gathering and reconnaissance activities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their mobile device fleets and implement network-based detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires coordinated efforts between device manufacturers, network operators, and security vendors to ensure complete protection across the entire ecosystem of affected devices.