CVE-2016-10422 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Small Cell SoC, Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear FSM9055, IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20, improper access control in system call leads to unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC implementations that affects a broad range of mobile and automotive platforms. The issue stems from improper access control within system calls, creating pathways for unauthorized entities to gain elevated privileges and access restricted system resources. The vulnerability impacts devices running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, exposing millions of devices to potential exploitation. This flaw specifically affects Qualcomm's Small Cell SoC, Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear platforms, along with numerous other Snapdragon chipsets including the SD 210/212/205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20 series. The vulnerability maps to CWE-284 Access Control, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access resources or perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. This weakness creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors can exploit the flawed system call implementation to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential for complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers exploiting this flaw could potentially gain root access to affected devices, enabling them to install malicious applications, extract sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or even disable security features. The widespread nature of affected platforms means that both consumer and automotive devices remain at risk, with the automotive applications particularly concerning given the potential for vehicle system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in Snapdragon Automotive platforms specifically raises serious concerns about connected vehicle security and the potential for remote attacks on vehicle systems. This flaw represents a significant gap in the Android security model, where the underlying hardware security mechanisms fail to properly enforce access controls at the system call level, allowing malicious processes to execute privileged operations without proper authorization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment across all affected platforms, with security updates focusing on correcting the improper access control implementation in system calls. Organizations should prioritize updating devices to the 2018-04-05 security patch level or later, as this update specifically addresses the access control flaw. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system call manipulation, requiring defensive measures that focus on system call monitoring and access control enforcement. Device manufacturers and carriers must implement comprehensive patch management programs to ensure all affected devices receive timely security updates, particularly given the automotive and mobile device implications. Additionally, network security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as it represents a common attack vector for privilege escalation in mobile environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of hardware-level security controls and proper system call validation, emphasizing that access control mechanisms must be robust enough to prevent unauthorized privilege elevation regardless of the underlying software platform.