CVE-2016-10383 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, there is a TOCTOU race condition in Secure UI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10383 represents a critical time-of-check to time-of-use race condition flaw within the Secure UI component of Qualcomm Android products. This issue affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that operate on the Linux kernel. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw in how the system handles security checks and resource access, creating a window where malicious actors can exploit temporal inconsistencies in the security validation process. The Secure UI component is responsible for protecting sensitive user interface elements and system resources from unauthorized access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially allow attackers to bypass critical security measures.
The technical implementation of this TOCTOU race condition occurs when the system performs a security check on a resource or UI element and subsequently uses that resource without revalidating the security state. During the brief interval between the initial check and actual usage, an attacker can manipulate the system state to cause the application to operate on compromised resources. This flaw specifically impacts the Linux kernel implementation within Qualcomm's Android framework where the Secure UI component manages access controls for protected interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly challenging to exploit because it requires precise timing and system manipulation, yet the consequences can be severe as it may allow unauthorized access to protected system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions, user data, and protected interfaces. Attackers could leverage this weakness to bypass secure UI protections, access restricted system resources, or manipulate user interface elements to perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm-powered Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize the Linux kernel architecture. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could compromise millions of devices simultaneously, with potential implications for user privacy, data integrity, and system security.
Organizations and device manufacturers should implement immediate mitigations including kernel updates, patching procedures, and enhanced security monitoring. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use race conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all affected Qualcomm products, implement runtime monitoring for suspicious access patterns, and ensure that all system components are updated to versions that address this specific race condition. Additionally, developers should review their Secure UI implementations to identify and correct similar temporal consistency issues that could create similar vulnerabilities in their applications.