CVE-2016-2059 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The msm_ipc_router_bind_control_port function in net/ipc_router/ipc_router_core.c in the IPC router kernel module for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, does not verify that a port is a client port, which allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (race condition and list corruption) by making many BIND_CONTROL_PORT ioctl calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2059 resides within the msm_ipc_router_bind_control_port function of the IPC router kernel module in Linux kernel version 3.x, specifically affecting Qualcomm Innovation Center QuIC Android contributions for MSM devices. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from inadequate input validation within kernel space operations. The vulnerability manifests when the function fails to properly verify whether a port being bound is actually a client port, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in privilege escalation or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition and list corruption scenario that occurs during multiple BIND_CONTROL_PORT ioctl calls. When an attacker repeatedly invokes this ioctl interface without proper validation, the kernel module's internal data structures become corrupted, leading to unpredictable behavior. This flaw directly maps to CWE-362, which describes a race condition vulnerability, and CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at kernel level where malicious actions can directly compromise system integrity and security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2059 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This represents a significant threat to mobile device security since MSM (Mobile Station Modem) devices are widely deployed in smartphones and tablets. The race condition aspect means that the vulnerability can be exploited through repeated rapid calls to the ioctl interface, potentially leading to system crashes or more severe corruption of kernel memory structures. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive system resources, or maintain persistent access to compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through proper security updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations should implement kernel hardening measures including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing requirements to reduce exploitability. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual ioctl activity patterns and implement proper access controls for IPC router interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1499, covering 'Endpoint Denial of Service', making it a critical target for defensive security operations. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect and prevent excessive ioctl calls that could indicate exploitation attempts.