CVE-2016-2472 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 27776888.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2472 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness specifically affects Nexus 7 (2013) devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-06-01 security update. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Wi-Fi driver's kernel space components, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious applications to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system-level access. The flaw is particularly concerning because it resides in the foundational networking driver that handles wireless communication protocols, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow or memory corruption issue within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver's handling of specific network packets or configuration parameters. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit this weakness by sending specially formatted data to the vulnerable driver component, which then executes arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, depending on the exact implementation details. The attack vector requires only a malicious application installation, eliminating the need for physical access or additional exploitation prerequisites, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently install third-party applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2472 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once elevated to system privileges, malicious actors can access all device data, intercept network communications, install additional malware, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits, persistence mechanisms via system-level modifications, and credential access through system compromise. The affected Nexus 7 (2013) devices represent a significant portion of Android users during the affected period, making this vulnerability particularly widespread and impactful for organizations and individuals relying on these devices for business or personal communication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2472 primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released by Google in their 2016-06-01 update cycle. Device administrators should immediately deploy these patches to all affected Nexus 7 (2013) devices within their networks. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications, as the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate application installation routes. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous Wi-Fi traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their mobile device management systems to ensure proper patch deployment and monitor for any signs of compromise. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely security updates and proper driver validation in mobile operating systems.