CVE-2016-3832 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The framework APIs in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-08-01 do not ensure that package data originated from the Package Manager, which allows attackers to bypass an unspecified protection mechanism via a crafted application, aka internal bug 28795098.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3832 represents a critical security flaw in the Android framework APIs that affected multiple versions of the operating system from 2013 through 2016. This issue specifically targets the Android 4.x series before 4.4.4, Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, Android 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and Android 6.x before the August 2016 security patch release. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the Android framework that fail to properly verify the authenticity of package data originating from the Package Manager component. This weakness creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate package information in ways that circumvent intended security protections.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the framework's failure to ensure proper data origin verification when processing package information. When applications interact with the Package Manager through framework APIs, the system should validate that all package data originates from the legitimate Package Manager component rather than from potentially malicious sources. However, this validation check was missing or insufficient, allowing attackers to craft specially designed applications that could manipulate package data to bypass security controls. This issue falls under the category of improper input validation and authentication failures, which are commonly classified under CWE-20 and CWE-287 respectively. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the trust relationship between framework components and package data, potentially allowing privilege escalation or unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3832 is substantial as it allows attackers to bypass unspecified protection mechanisms that are fundamental to Android's security architecture. This vulnerability could enable malicious applications to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive system resources, or manipulate package installations in ways that compromise the integrity of the Android environment. The flaw particularly affects the Package Manager's ability to maintain data integrity and authentication, which are critical for preventing unauthorized modifications to installed applications. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create applications that appear legitimate to the system while actually performing malicious activities, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector involves crafting applications that exploit the weak validation mechanism in the framework APIs, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through seemingly benign application installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3832 primarily involve applying the appropriate security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates. Organizations and users should immediately upgrade to Android versions that contain the fix, specifically Android 4.4.4, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, and the August 2016 security patch releases for Android 6.x. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Android devices within their environment receive the necessary updates. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual package installation patterns or unauthorized application modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and proper input validation in system frameworks, aligning with ATT&CK techniques that focus on privilege escalation and evasion. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their Android environments.