CVE-2016-10474 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, 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 820A, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850, if the buffer length passed to the RIL interface is too large, the buffer size calculation may overflow, resulting in an undersize allocation for the buffer, and subsequently buffer overwrite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms affecting Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The issue stems from improper buffer size calculation within the Radio Interface Layer (RIL) implementation, creating a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw specifically manifests when the buffer length parameter passed to the RIL interface exceeds the maximum representable value for the underlying data type, causing integer overflow during buffer allocation calculations. This overflow results in the system allocating a buffer that is significantly smaller than required, creating conditions where subsequent data writes can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the RIL interface which serves as the communication bridge between the Android framework and the modem hardware. When malicious or malformed data containing oversized buffer length parameters is passed through this interface, the integer overflow occurs during the calculation of buffer size requirements. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a critical memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and various SD series processors, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's automotive and mobile product lines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple buffer overflows to potentially enable remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers could exploit this condition to overwrite critical memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures within the RIL implementation. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability particularly affects automotive systems where Snapdragon platforms are used for infotainment, telematics, and vehicle control systems, making it a significant concern for automotive cybersecurity. The integer overflow in buffer size calculations creates a predictable pattern that can be exploited through carefully crafted RIL commands, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the RIL daemon or associated system services.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment through the standard Android security update process, ensuring all affected Snapdragon platforms receive the necessary firmware and system updates. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous RIL interface traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the implementation of address space layout randomization (ASLR) and stack canaries within the RIL implementation can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. System administrators should also consider isolating automotive systems from untrusted networks and implementing strict access controls for RIL interface communications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer overflow checking in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of low-level interfaces that handle external input data.