CVE-2016-2453 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The MediaTek Wi-Fi driver in Android before 2016-05-01 on Android One devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 27549705.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2453 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the MediaTek Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness specifically affected Android devices released prior to May 1, 2016, with particular impact on Android One devices that utilized MediaTek chipsets. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within the wireless networking driver module that governs Wi-Fi functionality on these mobile platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specially crafted application that leverages a flaw in how the MediaTek Wi-Fi driver processes certain input parameters. When executed on vulnerable devices, this malicious application can manipulate the driver's memory management and access control mechanisms to elevate its privileges from standard application level to system-level access. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass the normal Android security model that separates user applications from critical system components, enabling unauthorized modification of system files, installation of malicious software, and potential complete device compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2453 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with comprehensive system control capabilities that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, and further network reconnaissance. Once elevated to system privileges, malicious actors can access all device data including contacts, messages, photos, and sensitive personal information stored within the device's secure enclave. The vulnerability affects a significant number of Android One devices that were shipped with MediaTek processors, creating a widespread attack surface for threat actors targeting these specific hardware platforms. This weakness enables adversaries to conduct sophisticated attacks using techniques aligned with ATT&CK matrix tactic T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and Google through the Android security bulletin process. Users should ensure their devices receive all available security updates, particularly those released after May 1, 2016, when MediaTek addressed this specific flaw in their driver implementations. Device manufacturers should implement proper driver validation and privilege separation mechanisms, while security researchers should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other MediaTek driver components that might present analogous privilege escalation risks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure driver development practices and proper input validation in mobile operating system components, particularly those handling sensitive network communications and system-level operations. Organizations should maintain comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely patch deployment and monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other embedded driver components that may present comparable security risks.