CVE-2016-3748 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The sockets subsystem in Android 6.x before 2016-07-01 allows attackers to bypass intended system-call restrictions via a crafted application that makes an ioctl call, aka internal bug 28171804.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3748 resides within the sockets subsystem of Android operating systems version 6.x, specifically affecting builds prior to the 2016-07-01 security patch release. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables malicious applications to circumvent fundamental system-call restrictions that are designed to protect the integrity and security of the Android runtime environment. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted application that leverages an ioctl system call to gain unauthorized access to restricted system functionalities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ioctl (input/output control) system calls within the socket subsystem. The flaw allows an attacker to bypass the intended access controls that normally prevent applications from executing certain privileged operations. This occurs because the Android kernel's socket implementation fails to properly validate or restrict ioctl commands that could potentially grant access to system resources or functionality that should be restricted to system-level processes or privileged components. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-level socket handling mechanisms that are responsible for managing network communication between applications and the underlying system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to Android devices running version 6.x, as it allows any malicious application to potentially escalate privileges and gain access to system-level resources. An attacker could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive system data, modify critical system files, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect enterprise environments where Android devices are used for business operations, as compromised devices could serve as entry points for broader network attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to Android's security architecture.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which describes permissions, privileges, and access controls issues in software systems. It also maps to several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and defense evasion, as the flaw enables attackers to bypass security controls and gain elevated system access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches released by Google in the 2016-07-01 update cycle. Additionally, device administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious ioctl system call patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel-level input validation and access control enforcement in mobile operating systems, particularly within network subsystems where privileged operations are frequently required for legitimate system functionality.