CVE-2016-10391 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the length in an HCI command is not properly checked for validity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm products that utilize Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum and incorporate the Linux kernel. The flaw manifests in the improper validation of command length parameters within the Bluetooth subsystem, specifically within the HCI (Host Controller Interface) layer that facilitates communication between the host system and Bluetooth controller. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the length field of HCI commands before processing them. This represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking that can lead to memory corruption issues.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to craft malicious HCI commands with malformed length parameters that exceed expected boundaries. When the Linux kernel processes these commands without proper validation, it can lead to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other exploitable conditions within the Bluetooth subsystem. The vulnerability affects devices where Qualcomm's Bluetooth implementation relies on the standard Linux kernel Bluetooth stack, making it prevalent across numerous Android devices that utilize Qualcomm chipsets. This issue falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses improper validation of length parameters, and can be classified as a buffer overflow vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable remote code execution within the Bluetooth subsystem. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target device, potentially gaining elevated privileges or compromising the entire Bluetooth functionality. This vulnerability particularly affects devices where Bluetooth is enabled by default and where users might unknowingly interact with malicious Bluetooth devices. The risk is amplified in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity is frequently used for device pairing and data transfer operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the Bluetooth subsystem to ensure all HCI command length parameters are validated against expected ranges. System administrators should ensure that devices are updated with the latest security patches from Qualcomm and Android vendors, as these updates typically include fixes for such kernel-level vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Bluetooth security policies that limit automatic pairing and disable Bluetooth when not actively needed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it may enable adversaries to execute commands through compromised Bluetooth interfaces. Network segmentation and Bluetooth device monitoring can help detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.