CVE-2016-3905 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
CORE/HDD/src/wlan_hdd_main.c in the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver in Android before 2016-10-05 on Nexus 5X devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application that sends a SENDACTIONFRAME command, aka Android internal bug 28061823 and Qualcomm internal bug CR 1001449.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3905 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This issue specifically affects Nexus 5X devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-10-05 security patch release, exposing millions of devices to potential exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege checking within the wireless driver's command processing mechanism, creating an avenue for attackers to elevate their privileges from standard application level access to system-level administrative control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted application that leverages the SENDACTIONFRAME command within the wlan_hdd_main.c source file. This command processing function fails to properly validate the parameters and access controls associated with wireless frame transmission operations, allowing malicious applications to manipulate driver internals and bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the Qualcomm proprietary Wi-Fi driver implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it operates below the normal application sandboxing mechanisms that typically protect Android devices from such attacks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically highlighting the inadequate privilege checking mechanisms that enable unauthorized privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for affected Nexus 5X devices as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges without requiring physical access or additional exploitation primitives. Once exploited, the malicious application could gain complete control over the device, enabling data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and modification of system configurations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it only requires a user to install a malicious application, making it highly accessible to threat actors who could distribute such malware through various channels including third-party app stores, phishing campaigns, or social engineering attacks. This vulnerability significantly undermines the Android security model's integrity and represents a critical failure in the kernel-level driver security controls.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the security patch released by Google as part of the Android security bulletin for October 2016, specifically addressing the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver privilege escalation issue. Device owners should ensure their Nexus 5X devices are updated to Android 6.0.1 or later, which includes the necessary fixes to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for any suspicious network activity that could indicate exploitation attempts and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential malicious wireless frame transmissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel-level privilege enforcement and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications, as this vulnerability could potentially be exploited through malicious applications installed by users or through supply chain attacks targeting the Android ecosystem.