CVE-2016-5868 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/net/ethernet/msm/rndis_ipa.c in the Qualcomm networking driver in Android allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted application compromising a privileged process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5868 resides within the Qualcomm networking driver component of Android systems, specifically in the rndis_ipa.c file located in the drivers/net/ethernet/msm/ directory. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through a specially crafted application that can compromise a privileged process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the Android kernel's networking stack to create an attack vector that can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the Qualcomm MSM (Mobile Services Module) networking driver. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the RNDIS (Remote Network Driver Interface Specification) over IPA (Internet Protocol Acceleration) interface, the driver fails to properly validate the data structures and parameters passed to it. This insufficient validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate kernel memory and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access to the device.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability has significant implications for Android device security and represents a serious threat to user privacy and data integrity. The attack requires only a compromised application, which can be delivered through various vectors including malicious apps from app stores or phishing campaigns. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass Android's security model, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, intercepting communications, and installing persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential large-scale attacks against vulnerable Android fleets, particularly affecting devices running older Android versions where patches may not have been deployed.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) categories, demonstrating how memory corruption issues in kernel drivers can lead to privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and persistence mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly wide given that the RNDIS/IPA interface is commonly used for USB networking and tethering functionalities that are integral to Android device operations. Organizations and users should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats targeting mobile devices.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for affected Android versions, implementation of application sandboxing measures, and enhanced monitoring of network traffic for suspicious RNDIS activity. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional kernel hardening measures and privilege separation techniques to reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments of kernel modules and network drivers should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that could enable similar privilege escalation attacks.