CVE-2016-2410 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A Qualcomm video kernel driver in Android 6.x before 2016-04-01 allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application that leverages control over a service that can call this driver, aka internal bug 26291677.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2410 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm video kernel driver component of Android 6.0 operating systems. This weakness exists in the kernel-level video processing driver that handles multimedia operations, specifically affecting devices running Android 6.x versions prior to the 2016-04-01 security patch release. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and privilege control mechanisms within the driver's service interface, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious applications to elevate their privileges to system-level access.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access control mechanisms within the kernel driver service that processes video-related commands. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit this weakness by leveraging legitimate service calls to the vulnerable driver component. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel driver's handling of user-space inputs, where insufficient validation allows crafted payloads to manipulate driver behavior and gain unauthorized access to privileged operations. This creates a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges from standard application level to kernel-level execution, bypassing normal Android security boundaries and access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables full system compromise through a relatively simple attack vector. An attacker with a malicious application installed on a vulnerable device can execute arbitrary code with system privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the device's functionality. This includes access to sensitive user data, ability to install additional malicious software, modification of system files, and potential exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Android by allowing privilege escalation without requiring physical access or additional attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous for mobile device security.
The flaw aligns with CWE-269, which describes improper privilege management in kernel-mode drivers, and represents a classic example of a kernel exploit that violates the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and specifically relates to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The vulnerability also connects to T1543, which involves creating or modifying system-level processes and services to maintain persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, ensuring all Android 6.x devices receive the 2016-04-01 security update that resolves the kernel driver privilege escalation issue. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should enforce strict application vetting processes and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation activities on affected devices.