CVE-2016-3825 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
mm-video-v4l2/vidc/venc/src/omx_video_base.cpp in mediaserver in Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-08-01 allocates an incorrect amount of memory, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka internal bug 28816964.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3825 resides within the Android mediaserver component, specifically in the mm-video-v4l2/vidc/venc/src/omx_video_base.cpp file. This issue affects Android versions 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before the 2016-08-01 security patch release. The flaw represents a memory allocation error that creates a critical security weakness in the video encoding subsystem of the Android operating system. The vulnerability is classified as an improper allocation of memory, which aligns with CWE-755 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing weaknesses that occur when software does not properly handle memory allocation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from an incorrect memory allocation calculation within the OMX video base component that handles video encoding operations. When a malicious application attempts to utilize the video encoding functionality through the mediaserver process, it can manipulate the memory allocation parameters to cause buffer overflows or memory corruption. This improper memory handling allows attackers to exploit the privilege escalation mechanism by crafting specific application inputs that trigger the flawed memory allocation logic. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the mediaserver process, which runs with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for system security. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where a user-level application can leverage a kernel-level memory management flaw to gain unauthorized elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3825 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges on vulnerable Android devices. The mediaserver process is a critical system component responsible for handling multimedia operations, including video encoding and decoding functions. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain complete control over the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special user interaction beyond installing a malicious application, and the attack surface includes all devices running the affected Android versions. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and represents a significant concern for mobile device security. The internal bug reference 28816964 indicates this was a known issue within Google's internal tracking system, highlighting the severity and recognition of the vulnerability by the Android development team.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3825 primarily involve applying the appropriate security patches released by Google for the affected Android versions. Organizations and users should immediately update to Android 5.0.2, 5.1.1, or the corresponding 2016-08-01 security update for Android 6.x devices. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized applications attempting to access video encoding functionality in ways that could trigger memory allocation errors. Network-based detection measures can monitor for suspicious application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could potentially exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile operating systems, particularly in components handling multimedia processing and memory management operations. System hardening measures including kernel-level protections and runtime application monitoring can provide additional defense-in-depth against similar memory-related vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security updates and monitor for known vulnerable components within their device fleet.