CVE-2016-3888 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
internal/telephony/SMSDispatcher.java in Android 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, 6.x before 2016-09-01, and 7.0 before 2016-09-01 allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the Factory Reset Protection protection mechanism, and send premium SMS messages during the Setup Wizard provisioning stage, via unspecified vectors, aka internal bug 29420123.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3888 represents a critical security flaw in Android's telephony subsystem that undermines the device's Factory Reset Protection mechanism during the initial setup phase. This weakness exists within the internal/telephony/SMSDispatcher.java component and affects multiple Android versions including 4.x before 4.4.4, 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, 6.x before 2016-09-01, and 7.0 before 2016-09-01. The vulnerability specifically targets the Setup Wizard provisioning stage where users configure their devices for the first time, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's security controls.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient access control mechanism that fails to properly validate SMS message transmission permissions during the device setup process. Attackers with physical proximity to the target device can leverage this vulnerability to bypass Factory Reset Protection, which is designed to prevent unauthorized use of devices after a factory reset. This bypass allows attackers to send premium-rate SMS messages without user consent or awareness, potentially resulting in unauthorized charges on the victim's mobile account. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284 Access Control flaws, specifically focusing on improper access control during system initialization phases where security mechanisms should be at their strongest.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and multifaceted. During the Setup Wizard stage, when users are configuring their devices, the system should maintain strict security controls to prevent unauthorized actions. However, this flaw enables attackers to send premium SMS messages, which could generate substantial financial losses for victims. The attack requires only physical proximity to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices might be left unattended or where social engineering attacks could be employed to gain access. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the device's security model by allowing unauthorized SMS transmission during a critical configuration phase.
Security researchers have identified this issue as part of a broader class of attacks targeting the Android platform's security boundaries during device provisioning. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple financial loss, as it represents a fundamental failure in Android's security architecture to maintain protection during the most critical phase of device setup. Organizations and individuals should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, particularly in environments where mobile device security is paramount. The issue demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing during system initialization phases and highlights the need for robust access control mechanisms throughout the entire device lifecycle. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Android versions, implementation of additional monitoring for premium SMS activity during setup processes, and enhanced security awareness training for users about the risks of physical proximity attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining security controls throughout all phases of system operation, not just during active usage periods.
The attack vector for CVE-2016-3888 operates under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique, specifically targeting the Setup Wizard phase where legitimate system access is granted. This vulnerability demonstrates how attackers can exploit the trust placed in system initialization processes to bypass security controls that should remain active throughout the entire device provisioning cycle. The flaw's persistence across multiple Android versions indicates a systemic issue in the platform's approach to maintaining security boundaries during device setup, requiring comprehensive remediation across affected platforms.