CVE-2016-10449 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, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 835, in a GNSS API function, a NULL pointer dereference can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS API functions of Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable chipsets, affecting Android devices with security patch levels prior to April 5, 2018. The flaw manifests as a null pointer dereference condition that occurs when the system attempts to access memory through an uninitialized or null pointer reference. This represents a fundamental software error pattern that aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities. The affected hardware platforms include a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon variants including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/212/205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 835 chipsets. The vulnerability specifically impacts the GNSS API implementation, which is responsible for handling global positioning system data and related satellite navigation functions. When the system processes certain GNSS API calls, the application or system service fails to properly validate input parameters or initialize required data structures before attempting to dereference pointers, leading to a crash condition. This behavior creates a denial of service scenario where legitimate GNSS functionality becomes unavailable, potentially disrupting location-based services, navigation applications, and any system components that depend on accurate positioning data. The operational impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the null pointer dereference can potentially be exploited by malicious actors to cause system instability or even enable further attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service, where adversaries may leverage such flaws to disrupt critical system services. The vulnerability represents a classic example of improper input validation and memory management, where the system does not adequately check for null values before attempting to access memory locations. The flaw is particularly concerning in mobile environments where GNSS functionality is integral to numerous applications including mapping services, emergency response systems, and location-based security features. The affected devices typically include smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other mobile devices that utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform for their processing capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the fact that it occurs within core system APIs that are frequently accessed by both legitimate applications and system services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to cause widespread disruption. Organizations and users should prioritize applying the relevant Android security patches released by Google and Qualcomm to address this vulnerability, as the null pointer dereference could potentially be leveraged in more sophisticated attacks targeting the device's core functionality. The fix typically involves proper initialization of pointers and validation of input parameters within the GNSS API implementation to prevent the system from attempting to access null memory references. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of thorough memory management practices in embedded systems and mobile platforms where system stability and user safety are paramount considerations.