CVE-2016-5344 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the MDSS driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, allow attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a large size value, related to mdss_compat_utils.c, mdss_fb.c, and mdss_rotator.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5344 represents a critical integer overflow issue within the Mobile Display Subsystem (MDSS) driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series. This flaw specifically affects devices manufactured by Qualcomm and their integration within Android operating systems through contributions from Qualcomm Innovation Center QuIC. The MDSS driver serves as a crucial interface between the graphics hardware and the operating system, managing display operations across mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. The vulnerability manifests in three primary source files: mdss_compat_utils.c, mdss_fb.c, and mdss_rotator.c, which handle compatibility utilities, framebuffer operations, and rotation functionality respectively. These files collectively manage the display subsystem's core operations, making them prime targets for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the MDSS driver's handling of size parameters. When processing display-related data structures, the driver fails to properly validate integer values that represent buffer sizes or dimensions, leading to potential integer overflow conditions. An attacker can exploit this by crafting malicious input with excessively large size values that, when processed by the vulnerable driver code, result in integer overflows. This overflow condition can cause the driver to allocate insufficient memory buffers or perform invalid memory operations, ultimately leading to system instability. The integer overflow occurs during arithmetic operations where the result exceeds the maximum value that can be represented by the data type, causing wraparound behavior that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5344 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially encompass more severe consequences including system crashes, application instability, and in some cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects devices running Android operating systems that utilize Qualcomm's MSM (Multi-Session Module) hardware platforms, which are prevalent in numerous smartphone and tablet models. When exploited, the integer overflow can cause the display subsystem to malfunction, resulting in screen artifacts, complete display failure, or system-wide crashes that require device rebooting. The severity classification of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and the broader category of CWE-129, dealing with insufficient input validation. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Privilege Escalation and Defense Evasion, as it can be used to destabilize system operations and potentially create conditions for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5344 primarily focus on software updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and the Linux kernel community. The most effective approach involves applying the official kernel patches that address the integer overflow conditions in the affected MDSS driver source files, specifically within mdss_compat_utils.c, mdss_fb.c, and mdss_rotator.c. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates to affected Android devices, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm MSM hardware platforms. System administrators and security professionals should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures and bounds checking within the display subsystem can help prevent similar issues from arising in future implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer handling in kernel drivers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of display subsystem components in mobile operating environments.