CVE-2016-10491 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, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, 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, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20, an integer overflow leading to buffer overflow can occur in a QuRT API function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10491 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms and wearable devices. This issue resides within the QuRT (Qualcomm Real-Time) API function, which serves as a foundational component for real-time operating system operations on these processors. The vulnerability manifests in Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, impacting a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, and numerous MSM8909W variants alongside various SD series processors. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the QuRT API, where integer overflow conditions can trigger subsequent buffer overflow vulnerabilities. This architectural weakness allows attackers to manipulate memory operations through carefully crafted inputs that exceed the intended integer limits, ultimately leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-190, which classifies integer overflow conditions as a primary vector for buffer overflow attacks. When an integer variable exceeds its maximum representable value, it wraps around to a small positive or negative value, creating a scenario where subsequent memory operations allocate insufficient buffer space. In the context of the QuRT API, this overflow directly impacts the memory allocation routines that manage real-time task scheduling and system resource management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1068 category, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges through memory corruption attacks. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious inputs that trigger the integer overflow condition, causing the system to allocate insufficient memory buffers that can then be overwritten with attacker-controlled data.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10491 extends beyond simple memory corruption, presenting significant risks to device security and user privacy. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing Android's security model and gaining complete control over affected devices. This capability enables unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent backdoor installation, and the ability to modify system components without detection. The widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets across various mobile device manufacturers means that millions of devices remain vulnerable, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the QuRT API, making it difficult to detect through standard application sandboxing mechanisms and providing attackers with a persistent foothold in the device's operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, specifically targeting the 2018-04-05 security update. Device manufacturers must ensure comprehensive deployment of these patches across all affected models, as the vulnerability affects multiple generations of Snapdragon processors. System administrators should implement additional monitoring measures to detect anomalous memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper integer validation and bounds checking in system-level APIs, reinforcing principles from the CERT Secure Coding Standards that emphasize defensive programming practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual memory access patterns and API call sequences that could indicate integer overflow conditions. Device users must maintain regular security updates and avoid using untrusted applications that might trigger the vulnerable QuRT API functions through malicious input processing.