CVE-2016-10427 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20, improper boundary check in RLC AM module leads to denial of service by reaching assertion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10427 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms and wearable devices. This issue resides within the Radio Link Control (RLC) Adaptive Multi-rate (AM) module, which forms part of the cellular communication stack in Android devices. The vulnerability stems from an improper boundary check implementation that allows attackers to trigger an assertion failure through carefully crafted network traffic. The affected hardware platforms include a comprehensive range of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets spanning from entry-level SD 205 processors to high-end SD 850 platforms, indicating the widespread nature of this flaw across the mobile ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malformed or malicious data packets are transmitted through the cellular network interface, specifically targeting the RLC AM module's handling of packet boundaries. When the module encounters data that exceeds expected parameter limits without proper validation, it triggers an assertion failure that results in a system crash or complete denial of service. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of boundary condition errors that can lead to system instability. The flaw operates at a low level within the communication stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can disrupt cellular connectivity and potentially render devices unusable until a reboot occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications for mobile device users. Devices affected by this flaw become vulnerable to denial of service attacks that can be initiated remotely through cellular network traffic, potentially affecting users in areas with compromised network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, meaning that devices running older firmware versions remain at risk even after the patch release, as the fix requires proper implementation by device manufacturers. This creates a window of exposure where users may continue to experience service disruption while waiting for manufacturer updates, particularly affecting enterprise users who rely on consistent connectivity for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on prompt firmware updates from device manufacturers, as the fix requires kernel-level modifications to properly validate boundary conditions in the RLC AM module. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous cellular traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that device inventory management includes tracking of affected hardware platforms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in embedded systems, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for network denial of service attacks, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive security testing of communication protocols. Organizations should prioritize updating affected devices to the latest security patches, particularly those using Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that fall within the vulnerable product range, and implement network segmentation strategies to limit potential attack surface exposure.