CVE-2016-10494 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, MDM9625, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20, integer overflow may lead to buffer overflows in IPC router Root-PD driver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform families, specifically affecting devices running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The issue manifests in the IPC router Root-PD driver component where an integer overflow condition can occur during buffer management operations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for potential privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the system's kernel space. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Qualcomm chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9625, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDX20 platforms. The integer overflow condition in the IPC routing mechanism creates a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate buffer allocation parameters to cause memory corruption. When the integer overflow occurs, it results in improper buffer size calculations that can lead to buffer overflows during subsequent memory operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a significant risk to system integrity as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain full control over affected devices. Attackers could leverage this flaw to bypass security mechanisms, install malicious software, or access sensitive data stored within the device's memory. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be particularly dangerous in automotive environments where connected vehicles rely on these platforms for critical functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1543, Create or Modify System Process, as it enables kernel-level attacks that can manipulate system processes and escalate access rights. The affected platforms represent a broad spectrum of automotive and mobile devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider firmware updates that address the integer overflow conditions in the IPC router driver components to prevent potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in kernel space operations, particularly within inter-process communication mechanisms where buffer management is crucial for system security.