CVE-2016-10445 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 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDM630, SDM636, SDM660, and Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, input is not properly validated in a QTEE API function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10445 represents a critical security flaw affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and automotive platforms, with affected devices running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch. This issue resides within the Qualcomm TrustZone Execution Environment (QTEE) API function, where inadequate input validation creates a pathway for potential exploitation. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDM630, SDM636, and SDM660 platforms. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-754, indicating the potential for improper handling of input data that could lead to security consequences. The QTEE API function serves as a critical interface between the secure and non-secure execution environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or bypass security controls. This flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate input parameters passed to the QTEE API, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, data leakage, or privilege escalation within the secure execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10445 extends beyond simple data corruption or system instability, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the hardware-software security architecture of affected devices. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the TrustZone environment, potentially compromising the integrity of secure applications and sensitive data processing. The implications are particularly severe for automotive applications where Snapdragon Automotive platforms are deployed, as these systems often handle critical vehicle functions and sensitive data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to secure storage, manipulate cryptographic operations, or potentially compromise the entire vehicle's security posture. The vulnerability's presence in multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets indicates a systemic issue within Qualcomm's secure processing implementation rather than an isolated incident. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as it allows adversaries to operate within the secure execution environment where normal security controls are relaxed or bypassed. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in persistent backdoors within the device, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that store personal and corporate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10445 require immediate implementation of the latest security patches provided by Qualcomm and device manufacturers, as these updates specifically address the input validation flaws within the QTEE API functions. Organizations should prioritize patch management for all affected devices, particularly those in critical infrastructure or automotive environments where the risk of exploitation could have severe consequences. Device manufacturers should implement additional runtime protections and input sanitization measures to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability even before official patches are deployed. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual system behavior or unauthorized access attempts to secure processing environments. Network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior in secure execution environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation in hardware security modules, with implications for broader security architectures that rely on trusted execution environments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security monitoring within their mobile device management platforms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain visibility into secure processing activities across their device fleet.