CVE-2016-10407 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 835, an integer overflow leading to buffer overflow can occur during a VT call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10407 represents a critical integer overflow condition affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors across multiple generations including SD 210/212/205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 835. This flaw exists within the video telephony call processing functionality of the Android operating system and specifically impacts devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation during VT call handling where an integer overflow condition occurs, subsequently leading to a buffer overflow scenario. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can result in buffer overflows and other memory corruption issues.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Snapdragon processor's handling of video telephony call parameters where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to manipulate input values that exceed the maximum representable integer value for the data type being used. When this overflow occurs, it creates a situation where the calculated buffer size becomes negative or excessively large, causing the system to allocate insufficient memory or improperly sized buffers. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the baseband processor functionality within the Snapdragon chipsets, which handles critical communication protocols including voice and video calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it provides potential attack vectors for malicious actors to gain elevated privileges on affected devices. Attackers could exploit this condition through specially crafted video call invitations or by manipulating call parameters during active VT sessions. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets across numerous Android device manufacturers, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and specifically targets the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain higher system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of security patches from device manufacturers, as the fix typically involves correcting the integer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. Device users should ensure their devices receive the relevant security updates from their manufacturers, which are typically released as part of the monthly security patch cycle. System administrators should monitor for affected devices in enterprise environments and prioritize patch deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer handling in embedded systems and mobile processors, where memory safety is paramount due to the constrained nature of mobile device resources and the critical functions these processors perform in communication and security contexts.