CVE-2016-5867 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In a sound driver in all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, some variables are from userspace and values can be chosen that could result in stack overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5867 resides within the sound driver component of Qualcomm Android products that utilize the Linux kernel framework. This flaw represents a critical stack overflow condition that emerges from improper handling of user-supplied data within kernel space operations. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products running Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) that incorporate the Linux kernel, creating a widespread impact across numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The root cause stems from the kernel driver's failure to properly validate or constrain input parameters that originate from userspace applications, creating an environment where malicious input can be crafted to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves variables that are passed from userspace to kernel space within the sound driver subsystem. When these variables contain values that exceed predetermined boundaries or contain crafted malicious data, they can cause the stack to overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw manifests when the driver processes audio-related system calls that involve parameter validation, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate stack memory layout. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at kernel level where successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5867 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially enabling them to bypass security mechanisms, install rootkits, or establish persistent backdoors within affected devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it operates within the kernel space, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users may not be aware of the underlying kernel security implications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for kernel-level command execution and privilege elevation. The widespread adoption of Qualcomm chipsets in Android devices means that millions of users could be affected by this vulnerability, particularly in enterprise environments where device management and security policies are critical.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5867 require both immediate patching and operational security measures to protect affected systems. Qualcomm released security patches that address the stack overflow condition by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the affected sound driver components. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patches provided by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Network-based monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous audio-related system calls that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling user input. Device manufacturers should implement robust input validation mechanisms and conduct regular security assessments of their kernel components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.