CVE-2016-2445 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NVIDIA media driver in Android before 2016-05-01 on Nexus 9 devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 27253079.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2445 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the NVIDIA media driver component of Android operating systems. This issue specifically affected Nexus 9 devices and persisted in Android versions released prior to May 1, 2016, creating a window of exposure for malicious actors to exploit. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the media driver subsystem, which forms part of the broader Android security framework that governs multimedia processing capabilities on mobile devices. The flaw manifests when a malicious application attempts to interact with the driver through improper parameter handling, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design and represents a significant weakness in the Android kernel-level security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves exploitation of the NVIDIA Tegra graphics processing unit driver that handles multimedia decoding and rendering operations on Nexus 9 devices. Attackers can craft malicious applications that manipulate driver interfaces to bypass normal access controls and escalate their privileges from standard application level to system-level execution. The underlying flaw likely resides in improper kernel module validation mechanisms or insufficient sandboxing of media processing components, allowing crafted inputs to trigger unexpected behavior within the driver code. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and specifically relates to improper privilege management within kernel space components. The attack vector typically involves loading a malicious application that exploits the media driver through improper buffer handling or incorrect privilege validation during multimedia processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2445 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once an attacker achieves elevated privileges through this vulnerability, they can access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, and potentially access encrypted data stored on the device. The vulnerability particularly affects devices running Android versions that were vulnerable at the time of the patch release, creating a significant risk for users who had not updated their systems. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability provides a reliable method for achieving system-level control without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. The impact is further amplified because the media driver is frequently accessed during normal device operation, increasing the attack surface and potential for successful exploitation. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of supply chain security, as it affected devices manufactured by Google and distributed through official channels, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components integrated into mobile operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2445 primarily focus on timely system updates and patch management procedures. Users should immediately install the security patches released by Google and NVIDIA that address this specific privilege escalation flaw in the media driver component. System administrators should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security updates and patch verification processes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of device firmware security and the need for robust code review processes for kernel modules and driver components. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment across all managed devices. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability reinforces the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and implementing monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level exploits that leverage driver vulnerabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing network monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities that can identify suspicious activity patterns consistent with privilege escalation attacks, particularly those involving multimedia processing components.