CVE-2016-10487 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 MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20, in a QuRT API function, an untrusted pointer dereference can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10487 represents a critical untrusted pointer dereference flaw within the Qualcomm Quick Response Technology (QuRT) API functions of Android devices. This security weakness affects a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and wearable platforms including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20 chipsets. The flaw exists in the Android operating system versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making millions of devices potentially vulnerable to exploitation.
This technical vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the QuRT API implementation where the system fails to properly validate pointer values before dereferencing them. The untrusted pointer dereference occurs when the system processes data from unverified sources without adequate sanitization or validation checks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, though in this case it represents a broader untrusted pointer dereference scenario. The flaw allows malicious actors to potentially manipulate pointer values and cause the system to access invalid memory locations, leading to system instability or potential code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it creates potential attack vectors for remote code execution and system compromise on affected devices. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to device functionalities, potentially leading to data theft, system control, or further escalation attacks. The widespread deployment of affected Qualcomm chipsets across automotive systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology platforms amplifies the potential attack surface. This vulnerability particularly affects automotive applications where the Snapdragon Automotive platforms are utilized, creating risks for vehicle system integrity and cybersecurity. The attack surface extends beyond individual devices to potentially impact connected vehicle ecosystems and IoT deployments that rely on these Qualcomm chipsets.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patch levels, specifically targeting the 2018-04-05 or later security updates. Device manufacturers must ensure comprehensive testing of updated firmware to prevent regression issues while maintaining device functionality. Network administrators should monitor for any suspicious activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around pointer validation and input sanitization, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's software development practices. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in embedded systems and ensure comprehensive protection against future vulnerabilities.