CVE-2016-3836 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The SurfaceFlinger service in Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-08-01 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application, related to lack of a default constructor in include/ui/FrameStats.h, aka internal bug 28592402.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3836 resides within the SurfaceFlinger service component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 5.0.x prior to 5.0.2, 5.1.x prior to 5.1.1, and Android 6.x releases before the 2016-08-01 security patch. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables malicious applications to extract sensitive system data through carefully crafted payloads. The vulnerability stems from an insufficient implementation in the FrameStats.h header file where a default constructor is absent, creating a potential attack vector for information leakage.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of object initialization within the SurfaceFlinger service's frame statistics tracking mechanism. When applications attempt to interact with frame statistics data structures, the absence of a proper default constructor leads to memory layout inconsistencies and uninitialized data exposure. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory state and potentially access sensitive information that should remain protected within the system's privileged service layer. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the system handles frame statistics collection and reporting, creating opportunities for unauthorized data extraction.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android device security as it enables attackers to gather sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise. The attack requires a malicious application to be installed on the target device, but once executed, it can access frame statistics data that may contain information about system performance, rendering behaviors, and potentially other sensitive operational data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data could provide attackers with insights into system internals that facilitate more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which specifically addresses the risks associated with variables that are not properly initialized, and relates to the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities. From an attack framework perspective, this flaw could be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1056.001: Input Injection, as it involves manipulating application behavior to extract unintended information. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation pathways, as it allows unprivileged applications to access data that should only be available to system-level services. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android versions to mitigate this risk, as the security implications extend to user privacy and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3836 require immediate deployment of security patches released by Google for the affected Android versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious application behavior and ensure all devices are updated to the latest security releases. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application sandboxing measures and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper object initialization in system-level components and underscores the need for thorough security testing of core Android services. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other system components that may present analogous risks.