CVE-2016-3753 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
mediaserver in Android 4.x before 4.4.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors, aka internal bug 27210135.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3753 resides within the mediaserver component of Android operating systems version 4.x prior to 4.4.4. This critical security flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive information from devices running these vulnerable versions, representing a significant threat to user privacy and system integrity. The issue stems from unspecified vectors within the media server implementation that fail to properly validate or sanitize input data, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to access confidential system information.
This vulnerability operates at the system level within Android's media processing framework, specifically targeting the mediaserver daemon responsible for handling multimedia content and related operations. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests multiple potential pathways through which an attacker could exploit the flaw, potentially including malformed media files, network-based attacks, or crafted inputs that trigger improper information disclosure mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue indicates that while it may not directly enable arbitrary code execution, it provides attackers with access to sensitive data that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3753 extends beyond simple data exposure, as the sensitive information obtained could include system configurations, user data, application information, or other confidential elements that compromise the overall security posture of affected devices. This vulnerability particularly affects older Android versions that were widely deployed across various mobile devices, creating a substantial attack surface given the prevalence of these vulnerable systems in enterprise and consumer environments. The internal bug reference 27210135 suggests this was a recognized issue within Google's development pipeline that required patching in the subsequent Android 4.4.4 release.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in system components handling external data. The attack surface for this vulnerability could be exploited through various means including malicious media files delivered via email, messaging applications, or web-based content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content. The remediation approach required by this vulnerability involves updating to Android 4.4.4 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the underlying information disclosure mechanisms within the mediaserver component.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader ATT&CK framework categories related to privilege escalation and information gathering, as the sensitive data exposure could potentially serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Android versions highlights the importance of timely patch management and the risks associated with maintaining outdated software systems in enterprise environments. Organizations should prioritize updating affected devices and implement additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific information disclosure flaw in their mobile device management programs.