CVE-2016-2061 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the MSM V4L2 video driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (array overflow and memory corruption) via a crafted application that triggers an msm_isp_axi_create_stream call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2061 represents a critical integer signedness error within the MSM V4L2 video driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series. This flaw specifically affects Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and extends to various other products utilizing the same kernel components. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of signed and unsigned integer operations within the driver's code structure, creating a condition where malicious applications can exploit the system through crafted inputs that manipulate the msm_isp_axi_create_stream function call. The issue manifests as a fundamental flaw in how the driver processes array indexing operations, where signed integer variables are used in contexts where unsigned values are expected, leading to unexpected behavior during memory allocation and access patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious application triggers the msm_isp_axi_create_stream call with carefully crafted parameters that cause integer overflow conditions. When the driver processes these parameters, the signedness error results in array bounds checking failures that can lead to memory corruption scenarios. The underlying mechanism involves the manipulation of stream creation parameters that are subsequently used to calculate array indices or buffer sizes, where the signed integer arithmetic produces unexpected negative values that bypass normal validation checks. This condition creates a pathway for attackers to either execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or cause system crashes through controlled memory corruption. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ISP (Image Signal Processor) subsystem's AXI (Advanced eXtensible Interface) stream creation functionality, which is critical for handling video data flows in mobile devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to include potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges. System stability is severely compromised as the memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including system crashes, reboot cycles, or complete system lockups. Mobile devices utilizing MSM processors, particularly those running Android systems with Qualcomm's kernel modifications, become vulnerable to both remote exploitation and local privilege escalation attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in widely deployed kernel components and affects numerous device models across different manufacturers that rely on Qualcomm's MSM platform implementations. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when combined with other local privilege escalation techniques, as the initial memory corruption can be leveraged to achieve full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2061 should prioritize immediate kernel updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers, as the vulnerability requires core kernel modifications to address the signedness error in the MSM V4L2 driver. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization within applications that interact with video processing subsystems to prevent exploitation attempts. Security researchers and system administrators should monitor for patched kernel versions that include fixes for the integer signedness handling within the msm_isp_axi_create_stream function call. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-194, which describes the improper use of signed and unsigned values, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1068, involving the exploitation of privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Device manufacturers must ensure that all kernel components are updated to versions that properly handle integer arithmetic operations and implement robust bounds checking to prevent similar signedness errors in future implementations. System hardening measures including kernel module restrictions and runtime monitoring of video processing subsystems can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts.