CVE-2016-3813 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Qualcomm USB driver in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5, 5X, 6, and 6P devices allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28172322 and Qualcomm internal bug CR1010222.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2019
This vulnerability affects the Qualcomm USB driver component within Android operating systems prior to the 2016-07-05 security patch release. The issue specifically impacts Nexus 5, 5X, 6, and 6P devices, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to extract sensitive information from these mobile platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of USB communication protocols within the Qualcomm driver implementation, creating an information disclosure channel that can be exploited by malicious applications.
The technical flaw manifests in the USB driver's insufficient validation and sanitization of incoming data packets during USB communication sessions. When a crafted application attempts to establish USB connections with the device, the Qualcomm driver fails to properly enforce access controls and data boundary checks. This allows unauthorized data extraction from system memory regions that should remain protected from user-space applications. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the USB subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses typical application sandboxing mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the design and implementation of secure data handling within device drivers, specifically categorized under CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive system data that could include cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration details. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the device's internal state, potentially enabling further exploitation techniques such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised environments. The vulnerability's presence in widely distributed Nexus devices means that a significant number of Android users were exposed to this risk, particularly in enterprise environments where these devices might be used for business-critical operations. The attack vector requires only a malicious application to be installed on the device, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited through seemingly legitimate app installations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment to update the Android operating system to versions released after 2016-07-05, which contain the necessary fixes for the Qualcomm USB driver implementation. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from being installed on affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where device security is paramount. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious USB connection patterns and implement device management policies that restrict USB functionality for non-essential operations. From a security framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper driver security testing and the implementation of secure coding practices for low-level system components that interface with hardware, particularly those handling sensitive communication protocols.