CVE-2016-5853 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In an audio driver in all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, when a sanity check encounters a length value not in the correct range, an error message is printed, but code execution continues in the same way as for a correct length value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5853 resides within the audio driver component of Qualcomm products that utilize Android operating systems through the Linux kernel framework. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the handling of input validation mechanisms that govern audio data processing operations. The vulnerability manifests specifically when the system encounters malformed length values during sanity checks, creating a scenario where the driver fails to properly terminate execution upon detecting invalid parameters. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles of input validation and error handling that are essential for maintaining system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the audio driver's parameter validation routines. When the driver processes audio data packets, it performs sanity checks to ensure that length parameters fall within acceptable ranges. However, the flaw occurs when these checks detect values outside the expected parameters, yet instead of halting execution or properly handling the error condition, the system continues processing as if the input was valid. This continuation of execution represents a classic buffer over-read or improper input validation scenario that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of an exception to an unintended handler, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across all Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the affected Linux kernel components, potentially affecting millions of users through smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the audio subsystem, potentially escalating privileges to gain full system control. The continued execution flow after error detection creates a pathway for exploitation where malicious audio data could be crafted to trigger unexpected behavior in the driver, leading to system instability or complete compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects devices running Android versions that incorporate Qualcomm's proprietary audio drivers, making it a widespread concern across the mobile ecosystem and representing a significant risk to user data and device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5853 require immediate implementation of firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. System administrators and device users should prioritize applying these updates to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction to be triggered. Additionally, network security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through audio data processing channels, particularly in environments where audio input is processed by affected systems. The remediation approach must include comprehensive testing of patched drivers to ensure that the error handling logic properly terminates execution upon detecting invalid length parameters, thereby preventing the continuation of execution that leads to potential exploitation. Organizations should also implement monitoring protocols to detect anomalous audio processing behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.