CVE-2016-3925 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
server/wifi/anqp/ANQPFactory.java in Android 6.x before 2016-10-01 and 7.0 before 2016-10-01 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (blocked Wi-Fi usage) via a crafted application, aka internal bug 30230534.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3925 resides within the Android operating system's Wi-Fi implementation, specifically in the server/wifi/anqp/ANQPFactory.java component. This flaw affects Android versions 6.x prior to October 1, 2016, and Android 7.0 before the same date, representing a critical security issue that could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt network connectivity for affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of ANQP (Access Network Query Protocol) data structures during Wi-Fi connection establishment processes, creating a potential denial of service condition that could render devices unable to utilize Wi-Fi functionality effectively.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ANQPFactory.java file where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming ANQP information during the Wi-Fi association process. When a malicious application crafts and transmits specially formatted ANQP data packets to an Android device, the system's processing logic becomes unstable and eventually blocks all Wi-Fi usage capabilities. This flaw operates at the network protocol level within the Android framework, specifically targeting the Wi-Fi subsystem's ability to handle authentication and connection negotiation data. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition because it effectively prevents legitimate network access rather than directly compromising system security or data integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3925 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it fundamentally compromises the usability of affected Android devices within Wi-Fi environments. Users experiencing this vulnerability would be unable to establish or maintain Wi-Fi connections, effectively isolating their devices from network resources and services. The attack vector requires only a malicious application to be installed or executed on the target device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through seemingly legitimate means. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input, and represents a classic example of how malformed network protocol data can be weaponized to cause system-wide operational failures. The impact affects all Wi-Fi functionality including hotspot connections, enterprise network access, and public Wi-Fi usage scenarios, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates for Android devices. System administrators and users should ensure their Android devices receive the October 2016 security updates that specifically address this ANQP processing flaw. The patch implements proper input validation and error handling within the ANQPFactory.java component to prevent malformed data from causing system instability. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from being installed on managed devices, as this vulnerability requires a malicious application to be present on the device for exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability represents a potential technique for the T1499.004 sub-technique, specifically targeting system recovery and availability through denial of service attacks against network connectivity components. Device manufacturers and security teams should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other network protocol implementations and ensure comprehensive testing of network subsystems to prevent similar issues from emerging in future software releases.