CVE-2016-3937 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The MediaTek video driver in Android before 2016-10-05 allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 30030994 and MediaTek internal bug ALPS02834874.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3937 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the MediaTek video driver component of Android operating systems. This issue affects Android versions prior to the 2016-10-05 security patch release, creating a persistent security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors to elevate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it resides in the kernel-level driver component that handles video processing functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain elevated system access. The flaw was internally tracked as Android bug 30030994 and MediaTek bug ALPS02834874, indicating the complexity and severity of the underlying issue.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the MediaTek video driver implementation. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit buffer overflows or memory corruption issues within the driver's processing routines. When such applications are executed, they can manipulate the driver's behavior to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing the standard Android security model that separates user applications from system-level operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer," and represents a classic privilege escalation vector through kernel driver exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once successfully exploited, malicious actors can access all device data, install applications, modify system settings, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a significant portion of Android devices manufactured by MediaTek, particularly those using older Android versions that have not received the necessary security patches. This creates a substantial attack surface across various smartphone and tablet models, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors alike. The exploitation requires only a crafted application, meaning users could be compromised through seemingly benign app downloads or even through compromised app stores.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3937 primarily focus on timely security updates and system hardening measures. Organizations and individuals must ensure their Android devices receive the October 2016 security patches that address this specific vulnerability. The patch addresses the underlying driver implementation issues and includes proper bounds checking and memory management controls. System administrators should implement robust mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly audit device configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure driver development practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and the MITRE ATT&CK framework for mobile threats. Network monitoring solutions should also be configured to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel-level activity and privilege escalation events.