CVE-2016-3853 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Google Play services in Android before 2016-08-05 on Nexus devices allow local users to bypass the Factory Reset Protection protection mechanism and delete data via unspecified vectors, aka internal bug 26803208.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3853 represents a critical security flaw in Google Play services affecting Android devices prior to the 2016-08-05 security update. This weakness specifically targeted Nexus devices and enabled local attackers to circumvent the Factory Reset Protection mechanism, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to devices following a factory reset. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Play services framework that governs device protection protocols, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves unspecified vectors that permit unauthorized deletion of device data through manipulation of the Factory Reset Protection system. This flaw operates at the intersection of system-level security controls and application-layer services, where the Google Play services component fails to properly authenticate or validate reset operations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically targets the integrity and availability aspects of device security protocols. Attackers leveraging this weakness could potentially execute unauthorized data deletion operations while bypassing the intended protection measures that should prevent such actions during or after factory reset procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss scenarios, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that protects user devices from unauthorized access. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to perform actions that should be restricted to legitimate users or system administrators, effectively disabling one of the primary safeguards against device theft or unauthorized use. The implications are particularly severe for mobile devices where personal data, financial information, and sensitive corporate data may be stored. This weakness creates a persistent security gap that could enable attackers to maintain access to devices even after users believe they have secured their systems through standard reset procedures, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3853 primarily focus on applying the immediate security patch released by Google on August 5th, 2016, which addressed the underlying validation flaws in the Play services framework. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the updated Play services component and ensure all Nexus devices receive the appropriate security updates. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring protocols to detect anomalous reset activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1485, which covers data destruction and the manipulation of system protection mechanisms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security updates and the maintenance of proper device integrity checks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components that might provide similar attack vectors for bypassing device protection mechanisms.