CVE-2016-10476 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, MDM9650, MSM8909W, 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 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, and SDX20, missing array index checks on app index in function qcril_uim_clear_encrypted_pin results in accessing addresses outside the bounds of the buffer when app index is too large.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable chipsets affecting Android versions prior to 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the qcril_uim_clear_encrypted_pin function where insufficient array bounds checking allows for out-of-bounds memory access when processing application indices. The affected hardware platforms include various Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear chipsets such as MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and multiple SD series processors ranging from SD 210 to SD 835. This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from missing input validation in the qcril_uim_clear_encrypted_pin function where application index parameters are not properly validated against array boundaries before being used as array offsets. When an attacker provides an excessively large application index value, the function attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially leading to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and falls under the broader category of CWE-787, out-of-bounds write operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the underlying modem firmware components that handle secure communication and authentication processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks targeting the cellular modem functionality. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to encrypted PIN storage mechanisms, potentially compromising SIM card authentication processes and cellular network access controls. The vulnerability affects devices that rely on Qualcomm's QCRIL (Qualcomm Radio Interface Layer) for cellular communication, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices where cellular security is paramount. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the exploitation of mobile platform vulnerabilities to achieve unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the relevant Android security patches released in April 2018, which address the missing bounds checking in the affected Qualcomm chipsets. Device manufacturers should ensure all affected hardware platforms receive timely firmware updates that implement proper array boundary validation in the qcril_uim_clear_encrypted_pin function. Additionally, network operators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing network-level detection mechanisms for anomalous cellular communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in embedded systems and mobile platform components, as these low-level firmware functions directly impact the security posture of entire mobile device ecosystems.