CVE-2016-10454 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, and SD 625, in a QTEE API function, an array out-of-bounds index can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Trusted Execution Environment QTEE API function on specific Snapdragon mobile chipsets including SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, and SD 625. The flaw manifests as an array out-of-bounds index condition that occurs when processing certain API calls within the secure execution environment. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read or under-read scenario that can potentially allow malicious code execution within the trusted execution environment. This issue falls under the CWE-129 weakness category which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking on array data access. The vulnerability affects Android devices that have not received the security patch released on or before April 5th 2018, indicating a window of exposure that spans several years and affects numerous devices from various manufacturers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the QTEE API function where input parameters are not properly validated before being used as array indices. When an attacker can control the input values passed to this function, they can potentially manipulate the array access to read or write beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability can lead to information disclosure, denial of service, or potentially privilege escalation within the secure execution environment. The Trusted Execution Environment is designed to provide a secure sandbox for sensitive operations such as cryptographic key storage, biometric authentication, and secure payment processing. Any compromise of this environment directly impacts the overall security posture of the device, as it can undermine the fundamental security guarantees that the TEE is meant to provide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to bypass security mechanisms that rely on the integrity of the TEE. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to extract sensitive data from secure storage, manipulate authentication processes, or gain unauthorized access to cryptographic keys that are supposed to be protected within the trusted environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1552 - Unsecured Credentials, as it can lead to unauthorized access to protected system resources. Devices affected by this vulnerability include numerous smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers that utilize the specified Snapdragon chipsets, making the potential attack surface quite broad. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires an attacker to have already gained some level of access to the device, as the TEE is generally protected from direct external access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest security patch level, particularly those released on or after April 5th 2018. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out these patches to all affected models, as the vulnerability affects multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets. System administrators and security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual API calls or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper bounds checking in secure code implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical nature of secure coding practices in trusted execution environments. Organizations should also review their device management policies to ensure timely patch deployment and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other secure execution environments such as ARM TrustZone or Intel SGX.