CVE-2016-3864 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Qualcomm radio interface layer in Android before 2016-09-05 on Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, and Android One devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28823714 and Qualcomm internal bug CR913117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3864 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm Radio Interface Layer (RIL) component of Android operating systems. This weakness specifically affects devices manufactured by Google for the Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, and Android One platforms, with the vulnerability persisting until the security patch released on September 5, 2016. The flaw stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the RIL implementation, which governs communication between the cellular radio hardware and the Android framework. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by installing a malicious application that leverages the flawed RIL interface to elevate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system-level functionalities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The flaw operates at the intersection of hardware and software security domains, where the Qualcomm RIL component fails to properly validate data received from untrusted applications. This allows an attacker with a malicious app installed to manipulate the radio interface layer and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the communication protocol between the application layer and the radio hardware, bypassing normal Android security mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to device security and user privacy. Once exploited, the malicious application can gain root access to the device, enabling attackers to modify system files, access sensitive user data, intercept communications, and potentially install additional malware. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-level attacks, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader security breaches. The vulnerability affects a substantial number of devices since the affected models were widely distributed and used across various markets, making the exploitation potential particularly concerning for both individual users and enterprise environments. Additionally, the nature of the flaw means that even legitimate applications could potentially be used as attack vectors if they can manipulate the RIL interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3864 primarily focus on applying the official security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, which address the underlying privilege escalation mechanisms within the RIL component. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be at risk. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual communications patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while mobile device management platforms should enforce strict application vetting processes to prevent installation of malicious applications. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how hardware-software integration points can create significant security risks when proper validation mechanisms are not implemented. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged for persistence and lateral movement within compromised environments, making it a critical concern for cybersecurity professionals managing mobile device fleets.