CVE-2016-2426 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
server/content/ContentService.java in the Framework component in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-04-01 does not check for a GET_ACCOUNTS permission, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application, aka internal bug 26094635.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2426 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the Android framework's content service component. This issue exists in the server/content/ContentService.java file and affects multiple Android versions including 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before the specified date. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper permission checking for the GET_ACCOUNTS permission, which should normally be required to access certain account-related information. This flaw allows malicious applications to exploit the system and extract sensitive account data without proper authorization, creating a significant security risk for affected Android devices. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms in software systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Android framework's content service where the system fails to validate whether an application possesses the necessary GET_ACCOUNTS permission before allowing access to account information. When a crafted malicious application attempts to access account data through the ContentService, the system does not perform the required permission check, thereby permitting unauthorized access to sensitive user information. This flaw operates at the system level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal application sandboxing mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows unauthorized applications to retrieve account credentials, authentication tokens, and other sensitive information that should normally be protected by the Android permission model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive account information that could be used for identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to harvest user account details, which may include email addresses, account identifiers, and authentication information that could be used to compromise user accounts on various services. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Android versions, making it particularly concerning as it impacts a large user base across multiple Android releases. This issue represents a significant weakening of Android's security model, as it allows applications to circumvent the permission system that is fundamental to Android's security architecture.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched Android versions where available, reviewing application permissions, and monitoring for suspicious account access patterns. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches provided by Google, which address the permission checking mechanism in the ContentService component. Additionally, system administrators should enforce strict application vetting processes and consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1069.001 for credential access and T1566 for phishing attacks, as it enables unauthorized access to account information that could be used for further malicious activities. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper permission validation in system-level components, as highlighted in Android security best practices and the principle of least privilege enforcement.