CVE-2016-3810 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The MediaTek Wi-Fi driver in Android before 2016-07-05 on Android One devices allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28175522 and MediaTek internal bug ALPS02694389.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3810 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the MediaTek Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness specifically affected Android devices released prior to July 5th, 2016, with particular impact on Android One devices that utilized MediaTek chipsets. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the Wi-Fi driver implementation, creating a pathway for malicious applications to extract sensitive system information that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The flaw occurs at the kernel level within the MediaTek Wi-Fi driver module, where crafted applications can exploit improper memory handling and privilege escalation mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access kernel memory regions that contain confidential data such as cryptographic keys, network credentials, and system configuration parameters. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a malicious application installed on the device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered without physical access or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3810 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the sensitive data accessible through this vulnerability could enable further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could potentially gain access to network authentication credentials, device identifiers, and other confidential information that could be used for persistent access or lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Android devices may be used for corporate network access, as the leaked information could compromise network security and provide attackers with insights into device configurations and security measures in place.
This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1005 for data from local system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects devices that were widely deployed and often used in enterprise and consumer environments. The fact that this vulnerability was present in Android One devices, which are typically considered more secure due to their minimalistic approach, demonstrates how even well-intentioned security measures can be undermined by low-level driver flaws. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure all Android devices receive timely security updates to address this and similar vulnerabilities.
The remediation approach for CVE-2016-3810 requires immediate patching of affected Android devices through official security updates from device manufacturers. The vulnerability was addressed through kernel-level patches that improved input validation and access control mechanisms within the MediaTek Wi-Fi driver. Device administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could potentially exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for device drivers and kernel components, particularly those that handle sensitive communications and network operations.