CVE-2016-10423 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile and Snapdragon Mobile SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, and SD 820A, when a Trusted Application has opened the SPI interface to a particular device, it is possible for another Trusted Application to read the data on this open interface due to non-exclusive access of the SPI bus.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms affecting Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the improper handling of SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus access within the Trusted Execution Environment, creating a critical security gap that allows unauthorized data access between trusted applications. The vulnerability specifically impacts Snapdragon models including SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, and SD 820A processors, which are widely deployed in automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the lack of exclusive access control for SPI bus interfaces within the Trusted Application environment. When one Trusted Application opens and maintains an SPI connection to a peripheral device, the system fails to properly prevent other Trusted Applications from accessing the same SPI interface simultaneously. This non-exclusive access pattern violates fundamental security principles for secure communication channels and creates a direct pathway for information leakage between applications that should operate in isolation. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-362 - Concurrency Condition Race Condition, specifically manifesting as improper resource access control in a security-sensitive context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables potential data exfiltration from one Trusted Application to another through the shared SPI bus interface. Attackers could exploit this weakness to intercept sensitive data transmitted through SPI connections, potentially accessing cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or proprietary information. In automotive environments, this could lead to unauthorized access to vehicle systems, while in mobile devices it could compromise secure elements such as SIM card communications, NFC transactions, or hardware security modules. The vulnerability represents a direct violation of the Trusted Execution Environment's security model, where applications should maintain strict isolation from each other.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper SPI bus access control mechanisms within the Trusted Application framework. Device manufacturers must ensure exclusive access control for SPI interfaces when opened by Trusted Applications, preventing concurrent access from other trusted entities. The recommended approach involves updating the security patch level to include proper resource locking mechanisms and implementing stricter access control policies for peripheral interfaces. Additionally, system-level modifications should enforce mandatory access controls that prevent unauthorized applications from accessing shared SPI resources, aligning with the principle of least privilege and secure multi-application environments. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their automotive and mobile platforms to identify all potential SPI interface vulnerabilities and implement appropriate isolation measures to prevent cross-application data leakage.