CVE-2016-2411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A Qualcomm Power Management kernel driver in Android 6.x before 2016-04-01 allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application that leverages root access, aka internal bug 26866053.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2411 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm Power Management kernel driver component of Android 6.0 operating systems. This issue specifically affects devices running Android 6.x versions prior to the 2016-04-01 security patch release, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to elevate their privileges from standard user level to root access. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the kernel driver responsible for managing power management functions, which are fundamental to device operation and system stability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted malicious application that leverages specific weaknesses in the Qualcomm Power Management driver implementation. This driver operates at the kernel level and is responsible for handling power management operations including CPU frequency scaling, power domain control, and battery management functions. Attackers can exploit the flaw by submitting specially crafted inputs or triggering specific sequences that cause the driver to improperly handle privilege checks, ultimately allowing unauthorized code execution with root privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue that maps to CWE-269: "Improper Privilege Management" and potentially CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" depending on the specific exploitation method used. The flaw demonstrates a classic kernel-level privilege escalation vector where user-space applications can manipulate kernel data structures to gain elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2411 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete root access to affected devices, enabling them to bypass all security controls, extract sensitive data, modify system files, install malicious software, and maintain persistent access to the compromised device. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Android devices manufactured by various OEMs that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to perform actions such as reading encrypted data, modifying system configurations, installing backdoors, and accessing the device's full storage and communication capabilities. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and potentially T1543: "Create or Modify System Process" when exploited for persistent access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide security implications, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2411 require immediate implementation of the security patch released by Qualcomm and Google, which addresses the specific privilege escalation flaw in the Power Management driver. Organizations and users should prioritize updating their Android devices to versions containing the 2016-04-01 security patch, which includes kernel-level fixes for the identified vulnerability. Additionally, security administrators should implement device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly monitor for vulnerable devices within their networks. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper privilege validation checks and input sanitization within the Qualcomm Power Management driver, preventing malicious applications from exploiting the kernel-level vulnerability. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional security measures such as kernel address space layout randomization and exploit protection mechanisms to further reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched devices, as this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against specific user groups or organizations. The fix demonstrates the importance of timely security patch management and kernel-level security hardening in mobile operating systems.