CVE-2016-2469 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Qualcomm sound driver in Android before 2016-06-01 on Nexus 5, 6, and 6P devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 27531992.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2469 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm sound driver component of Android operating systems. This issue specifically affects Nexus 5, 6, and 6P devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-06-01 security patch release. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the audio driver subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious applications to elevate their execution privileges from standard user level to system-level access. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring physical device access or complex attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the sound driver processes certain ioctl (input/output control) commands and system calls. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit memory corruption issues within the driver's handling of audio-related system calls, specifically targeting the way the driver manages buffer allocations and memory access controls. This allows the malicious application to manipulate kernel memory structures and ultimately gain root privileges on the device. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-119 as a weakness related to insufficient protection of memory, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization and inadequate bounds checking within the driver's kernel-space code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2469 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once exploited, malicious actors can access all device data including personal information, communication records, and stored credentials. The vulnerability enables persistent backdoor access, allowing attackers to install additional malware, monitor communications, and perform data exfiltration without user knowledge. The affected Nexus devices represent a significant portion of the Android user base during the affected period, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Security researchers noted that the exploit could be delivered through seemingly legitimate applications, making detection and prevention challenging for end users and security teams alike. The vulnerability also impacts enterprise environments where employees use these devices, potentially compromising corporate networks and sensitive business data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2469 require immediate implementation of the official Android security patches released in June 2016. Organizations should ensure all affected Nexus devices receive the relevant security updates and implement device management policies that enforce automatic security updates. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Android device fleets to identify and remediate affected systems. Additional protective measures include implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and block suspicious applications, enabling application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security audits of mobile device configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of timely patch management and the need for robust kernel-level security controls within mobile operating systems. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation activities on mobile devices. The remediation process involves not only applying the patch but also educating users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and maintaining awareness of potential exploitation attempts.