CVE-2016-2448 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
media/libmediaplayerservice/nuplayer/NuPlayerStreamListener.cpp in mediaserver 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 2016-05-01 does not properly validate entry data structures, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 27533704.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2448 resides within the Android mediaserver component, specifically in the NuPlayerStreamListener.cpp file located in the media/libmediaplayerservice/nuplayer directory. This flaw 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 inadequate validation of entry data structures, creating a privilege escalation opportunity for malicious actors. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to elevate their privileges beyond normal application boundaries, potentially gaining access to system-level permissions that should be restricted to trusted components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and more specifically relates to privilege escalation through improper validation of data structures. The flaw exists in how the mediaserver processes data structures received from applications, particularly in the NuPlayerStreamListener component that handles streaming media operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious application that sends specially constructed data to the mediaserver, the system fails to properly validate the incoming data structures before processing them. This validation failure allows the attacker to manipulate the system's behavior and potentially obtain elevated privileges including Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to bypass Android's security model and gain access to system-level functionality that should normally be restricted. The ability to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access means that an attacker could potentially install malicious applications with system-level privileges, modify system files, or access sensitive data that would normally require system-level permissions. This privilege escalation capability could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through a crafted application, making it accessible to attackers who can convince users to install malicious software or through automated exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Google for the affected Android versions. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious data flows to the mediaserver component, and system administrators should regularly audit application permissions and monitor for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in system components and demonstrates the need for robust security testing of media processing components that handle untrusted input data. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for system services and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Android devices is crucial for preventing exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.