CVE-2016-10426 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile and Snapdragon Mobile SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 820A, a buffer overflow can occur in SafeSwitch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform ecosystems, specifically affecting devices with Snapdragon 410/12, 425, 430, 450, 617, 625, 650/52, 810, 820, and 820A chipsets. The issue manifests in the SafeSwitch component, which serves as a critical security mechanism designed to manage secure switching operations in automotive applications. The buffer overflow vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in memory management where an attacker can manipulate input data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning given the automotive context, as it could affect vehicle safety systems and secure communication channels. The flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the automotive system environment. The vulnerability was disclosed as part of the Android security patch level released in April 2018, indicating that devices running older security patches were susceptible to this flaw.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the SafeSwitch component processes untrusted input data without proper bounds checking mechanisms. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that overflows the allocated memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function return addresses, control flags, or other critical system data. The impact extends beyond simple memory corruption, as the SafeSwitch component typically manages critical automotive functions such as secure boot processes, authentication mechanisms, and secure communication protocols. When exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems, or manipulate critical automotive functions. The exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that specifically targets the buffer size limitations within the SafeSwitch implementation, making it a sophisticated attack vector that demands precise knowledge of the target system architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for automotive manufacturers and fleet operators who rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms for vehicle infotainment, telematics, and safety-critical systems. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain root access to vehicle systems, manipulate navigation data, compromise vehicle security, or even affect vehicle performance and safety mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of automotive platforms, making it a widespread concern across multiple vehicle models and manufacturers. Organizations must consider the potential for supply chain attacks where malicious actors could target vehicles through connected services, mobile applications, or over-the-air updates. The vulnerability's impact is compounded by the fact that many automotive systems operate in closed environments where traditional network security measures may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive patch management across all affected Snapdragon platforms, with particular emphasis on automotive systems that may not receive regular security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate automotive systems from general network access and establish robust monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of runtime application self-protection mechanisms and enhanced input validation can provide additional layers of defense against buffer overflow attacks. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of automotive systems to identify all instances of the vulnerable SafeSwitch component and ensure proper patch deployment. Additionally, manufacturers should consider implementing secure boot mechanisms and hardware-based security features that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing of automotive systems are essential to maintain defenses against evolving threats targeting these critical infrastructure components.