CVE-2016-3855 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/thermal/supply_lm_core.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-08-05 does not validate a certain count parameter, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds array access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted application, aka Qualcomm internal bug CR990824.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3855 resides within the Qualcomm components of Android operating systems, specifically in the drivers/thermal/supply_lm_core.c file that manages thermal sensor operations. This flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate a count parameter during thermal management operations. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to the 2016-08-05 security update, leaving millions of devices exposed to potential exploitation. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the thermal subsystem, which is critical for maintaining device stability and preventing overheating scenarios that could lead to hardware damage or safety hazards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper bounds checking in the thermal management driver where a malicious application can craft a specially designed payload that manipulates the count parameter to exceed the allocated array boundaries. This type of flaw falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and can be categorized as a memory safety issue within the broader context of the ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through system component manipulation. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to trigger out-of-bounds array access conditions that can cause system crashes, leading to denial of service scenarios where the device becomes unresponsive or enters a reboot loop. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the thermal management system is fundamental to device operation, potentially allowing attackers to cause more severe consequences including permanent hardware damage or safety risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant given that thermal management is a core system function that operates continuously in mobile devices, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking persistent system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through legitimate applications that request thermal sensor access, potentially bypassing normal security restrictions. The flaw creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across all affected Android versions, with the potential for both local and remote exploitation depending on the application's permissions and device configuration. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service condition means that successful exploitation can render devices unusable, while the unspecified other impacts suggest potential for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation or information disclosure. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous thermal management behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel-level drivers, particularly in components that manage hardware safety systems. The flaw highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system drivers and the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards. The thermal management subsystem represents a high-value target for attackers due to its continuous operation and critical role in device functionality, making proper validation of all input parameters essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing cascading failures that could affect device safety and user data.