CVE-2016-2419 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
media/libmedia/IDrm.cpp in mediaserver in Android 6.x before 2016-04-01 does not initialize a certain key-request data structure, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory, and consequently bypass an unspecified protection mechanism, via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 26323455.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2419 resides within the Android media framework, specifically in the mediaserver process responsible for handling multimedia operations. This flaw affects Android 6.x versions prior to the 2016-04-01 security patch release and represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that undermines the system's security model. The issue manifests in the media/libmedia/IDrm.cpp component where a critical initialization oversight occurs in a key-request data structure, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to sensitive memory contents.
The technical flaw stems from improper initialization of a data structure used during DRM (Digital Rights Management) key request processing within the mediaserver daemon. When processing DRM key requests, the system fails to properly initialize certain memory regions that should contain sensitive cryptographic or authorization data. This incomplete initialization results in the exposure of uninitialized memory contents, which may contain remnants of previous operations, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information that was previously stored in those memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android media framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications without requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to bypass unspecified protection mechanisms within the Android security architecture. Through the exploitation of this memory disclosure issue, adversaries can potentially obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels, which represent significant privileges within the Android permission model. The Signature level grants applications access to system components and services that are normally restricted to applications signed with the same certificate, while SignatureOrSystem provides even broader access including system-level operations. This capability allows attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to protected system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable," and demonstrates how incomplete initialization can create information disclosure risks. The attack vector leverages the mediaserver's DRM processing capabilities to trigger the uninitialized memory access, potentially through crafted media files or DRM key requests. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it provides the foundation for privilege escalation and subsequent system exploitation. The vulnerability also intersects with T1547, "Boot or Logon Autostart Execution,' as compromised mediaserver processes could be used to establish persistence within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2419 primarily involve applying the vendor-provided security patches released in the 2016-04-01 update cycle, which properly initialize the affected data structures. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring of the mediaserver process for unusual memory access patterns and ensure that all Android devices are kept current with security updates. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of media processing components and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The patch addresses the root cause by ensuring proper initialization of the key-request data structure, preventing the exposure of uninitialized memory contents that could contain sensitive information.