CVE-2016-2062 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The adreno_perfcounter_query_group function in drivers/gpu/msm/adreno_perfcounter.c in the Adreno GPU driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, uses an incorrect integer data type, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (integer overflow, heap-based buffer overflow, and incorrect memory allocation) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted IOCTL_KGSL_PERFCOUNTER_QUERY ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2062 resides within the Adreno GPU driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series, specifically in the adreno_perfcounter_query_group function located at drivers/gpu/msm/adreno_perfcounter.c. This flaw affects Qualcomm Innovation Center QuIC Android contributions for MSM devices and various other products utilizing the affected kernel versions. The core issue stems from improper handling of integer data types within the performance counter query functionality, creating a critical security weakness that can be exploited through malicious IOCTL calls.
The technical flaw manifests as an incorrect integer data type usage that leads to multiple severe consequences including integer overflow conditions, heap-based buffer overflows, and improper memory allocation behaviors. When an attacker crafts a malicious IOCTL_KGSL_PERFCOUNTER_QUERY ioctl call, the vulnerable function processes the input parameters without adequate validation of integer boundaries, resulting in arithmetic overflow conditions that can corrupt memory structures. This improper integer handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory allocation sizes and buffer boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable arbitrary code execution or system instability. The integer overflow and subsequent buffer overflow conditions can corrupt critical kernel memory structures, leading to system crashes, application failures, or in more severe cases, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with kernel privileges. The heap-based buffer overflow aspect particularly concerning as it can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting kernel data structures or even enabling privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability affects the fundamental GPU performance monitoring capabilities of Qualcomm MSM devices, making it a significant concern for mobile device security.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.' The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation and integer handling in kernel space code, where attackers can leverage the GPU driver's performance counter interface to execute malicious operations. Organizations should prioritize patching affected kernel versions and implementing runtime protections to mitigate this risk, particularly in environments where mobile devices are deployed with potentially untrusted user access.
The exploitability of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have access to the GPU subsystem through legitimate IOCTL interfaces, which typically means the attack vector is limited to applications or processes that can interact with the graphics subsystem. However, the potential for privilege escalation makes this particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications may have elevated permissions or where device security is compromised. Security teams should monitor for any unauthorized access to GPU performance counter interfaces and implement proper input validation at all levels of the graphics processing stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer handling in kernel drivers and the need for comprehensive security testing of graphics subsystem components before deployment in production environments.