CVE-2016-10436 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Small Cell SoC, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear FSM9055, IPQ4019, IPQ8064, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, QCA4531, QCA9980, 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 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, and SDX20, improper input validation infuse read request leads to memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability affects a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon and Small Cell System-on-Chip platforms used in Android devices, representing a critical memory corruption issue that emerged before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the improper input validation mechanisms within the FSM9055, IPQ4019, IPQ8064, and numerous other Qualcomm chipsets that form the foundation of mobile device security. The vulnerability specifically manifests during read request operations where insufficient validation of input parameters allows malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through crafted inputs. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and can be classified as a buffer overflow condition that directly impacts memory integrity. The affected platforms span across multiple generations of Snapdragon mobile processors including SD 210, SD 400, SD 615, SD 808, and SD 835 series, indicating a widespread impact across various device categories from budget to flagship smartphones. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, leveraging the memory corruption to gain deeper system access. The issue represents a significant concern in the mobile security landscape as it affects devices that may not receive timely security updates, particularly in regions where patch deployment is delayed or inconsistent. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as the memory corruption could enable attackers to gain higher system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that bypasses existing validation checks, potentially allowing for remote code execution in scenarios where the vulnerable system components are accessible. Security researchers have noted that this flaw demonstrates the complexity of mobile security architecture, where vulnerabilities in hardware-level components can have cascading effects on overall device security. The widespread nature of the affected chipsets means that millions of devices could be vulnerable, particularly those running Android versions that have not received the relevant security patches. The memory corruption aspect suggests potential for both system instability and more sophisticated attack vectors, as attackers could manipulate memory contents to redirect execution flows or overwrite critical system components. Organizations should prioritize patch management strategies specifically targeting these Qualcomm chipsets, as the vulnerability represents a persistent threat to device integrity. The technical nature of the flaw indicates that it likely resides in firmware or bootloader components that are difficult to update independently, requiring coordinated patching efforts between chipset manufacturers and device OEMs. This vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing at the hardware level, particularly for components that handle input validation and memory management. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potential supply chain risks, as devices with vulnerable chipsets may be deployed in enterprise environments where security compliance is critical. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment where available, network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in mobile security, where hardware-level flaws can persist across multiple software versions and device generations, requiring continuous vigilance and proactive security measures.