CVE-2016-2491 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NVIDIA camera driver in Android before 2016-06-01 on Nexus 9 devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 27556408.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2491 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the NVIDIA camera driver component of Android operating systems prior to the 2016-06-01 security update. This issue specifically affected Nexus 9 devices and allowed malicious applications to exploit a weakness in the driver's privilege management mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege checking within the camera driver subsystem, creating an avenue for unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. Such flaws typically arise from insufficient kernel-level security controls that fail to properly validate the integrity and authorization status of code attempting to interact with hardware driver interfaces.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that leverages improper access control mechanisms within the NVIDIA camera driver. Attackers can manipulate the driver's behavior by submitting specially constructed inputs or calling specific driver interfaces that should be restricted to authorized system components. This flaw operates at the kernel level where the camera driver maintains elevated privileges to access hardware resources directly. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-269 which addresses "Improper Privilege Management" and CWE-276 which covers "Improper Ownership Setting" in kernel driver contexts. The attack vector typically involves an application with minimal initial privileges that can manipulate the camera driver to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise potential. Once exploited, attackers can gain root access to the device, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious applications, access encrypted data, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-06-01 security patch, making all Nexus 9 devices vulnerable during this period. From an adversary perspective, this represents a particularly dangerous flaw as it provides a direct path to system-level control without requiring physical access or additional exploitation techniques. The attack can be executed remotely through malicious applications distributed via app stores or other delivery mechanisms, making it a significant threat to user privacy and device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2491 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Google and NVIDIA in their respective 2016-06-01 security updates. Users should ensure their devices receive all available security updates and avoid installing applications from untrusted sources that may contain malicious code designed to exploit this vulnerability. Device manufacturers should implement robust kernel privilege management controls and conduct thorough security testing of driver components before deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel security practices and adherence to security standards such as those defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for mobile device security. Organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities and implement monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security researchers and vendors should follow established reporting procedures through platforms like the Android Security Bulletins to ensure timely vulnerability disclosure and remediation.