CVE-2016-3793 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NVIDIA camera driver in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 9 devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28026625.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3793 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the NVIDIA camera driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness specifically affects Nexus 9 devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-07-05 security patch release, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries could exploit to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls and insufficient input validation within the camera driver subsystem, which operates at a privileged kernel level where it handles sensitive hardware interactions and system resources. The flaw allows malicious applications to craft specific payloads that manipulate the driver's behavior, ultimately enabling unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges that should normally be restricted to system-level components.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which categorizes weaknesses related to permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the camera driver fails to properly validate or sanitize inputs from user-space applications, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks. The NVIDIA camera driver in question operates with elevated privileges due to its role in managing hardware resources and processing camera data, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to bypass Android's security model. The vulnerability exploits the driver's insufficient validation mechanisms, allowing crafted applications to manipulate driver interfaces and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This type of flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where the driver's access controls are insufficient to prevent malicious exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3793 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Nexus 9 devices. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables persistent access to the device's camera hardware, system memory, and potentially other sensitive components. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no physical access to the device, making it exploitable through malicious applications downloaded from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model's integrity, as it allows attackers to bypass the normal application sandboxing mechanisms that protect user data and system resources. The affected devices become vulnerable to various malicious activities including data exfiltration, persistent surveillance, and further exploitation of other system components that may be accessible through the elevated privileges gained through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3793 primarily focus on applying the security patches released by Google and NVIDIA in their July 2016 updates. Device users should immediately install the latest Android security updates that address this specific vulnerability through proper driver validation and access control mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that all Nexus 9 devices within their organization are updated to Android versions that include the patched camera driver implementation. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, requiring comprehensive patch management processes to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around camera driver access patterns and privilege escalation activities. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should enforce mandatory security updates and disable unnecessary camera functionality for applications that do not require such access, reducing the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely security patching and proper driver security implementation in mobile operating systems.