CVE-2016-2470 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver in Android before 2016-06-01 on Nexus 7 (2013) devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 27662174.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2470 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Nexus 7 (2013) devices and impacts all Android versions released prior to June 1, 2016, making it a significant security concern for users of these particular hardware platforms. The flaw resides in the kernel-level driver implementation that manages Wi-Fi connectivity, creating a pathway for malicious applications to elevate their privileges beyond normal user boundaries. This issue demonstrates the inherent risks associated with driver-level vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems, where low-privilege applications can potentially exploit kernel components to gain elevated system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that leverages improper input validation or memory handling within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate driver functions in ways that should not be permitted under normal security constraints, effectively bypassing the standard privilege separation mechanisms that protect the Android operating system. This type of vulnerability typically involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or improper access controls within the driver code that enable malicious code execution with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The attack vector specifically targets the kernel driver interface, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the lowest privilege level where system integrity is maintained.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2470 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected devices. Once exploited, malicious applications can access all system resources, read sensitive data, modify system files, and potentially install additional malware without user consent. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of Android, where applications are expected to operate within isolated sandboxes with limited system access. The implications are severe for users of Nexus 7 (2013) devices, as these devices may have been deployed in enterprise environments or used for sensitive data processing, making the privilege escalation capability particularly dangerous. The vulnerability also demonstrates the challenges in maintaining security updates for older hardware platforms, as these devices may no longer receive regular security patches from manufacturers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2470 require immediate action from device users and administrators. The most effective approach involves applying the security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, which address the underlying driver implementation issues. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Nexus 7 (2013) devices to Android versions that include the necessary fixes, as these patches typically involve kernel-level modifications that correct the privilege escalation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches across all mobile platforms, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications while maintaining the security improvements. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel-level system calls and driver interactions.