CVE-2016-6564 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Android devices with code from Ragentek contain a privileged binary that performs over-the-air (OTA) update checks. Additionally, there are multiple techniques used to hide the execution of this binary. This behavior could be described as a rootkit. This binary, which resides as /system/bin/debugs, runs with root privileges and does not communicate over an encrypted channel. The binary has been shown to communicate with three hosts via HTTP: oyag[.]lhzbdvm[.]com oyag[.]prugskh[.]net oyag[.]prugskh[.]com Server responses to requests sent by the debugs binary include functionalities to execute arbitrary commands as root, install applications, or update configurations. Examples of a request sent by the client binary: POST /pagt/agent?data={"name":"c_regist","details":{...}} HTTP/1. 1 Host: 114.80.68.223 Connection: Close An example response from the server could be: HTTP/1.1 200 OK {"code": "01", "name": "push_commands", "details": {"server_id": "1" , "title": "Test Command", "comments": "Test", "commands": "touch /tmp/test"}} This binary is reported to be present in the following devices: BLU Studio G BLU Studio G Plus BLU Studio 6.0 HD BLU Studio X BLU Studio X Plus BLU Studio C HD Infinix Hot X507 Infinix Hot 2 X510 Infinix Zero X506 Infinix Zero 2 X509 DOOGEE Voyager 2 DG310 LEAGOO Lead 5 LEAGOO Lead 6 LEAGOO Lead 3i LEAGOO Lead 2S LEAGOO Alfa 6 IKU Colorful K45i Beeline Pro 2 XOLO Cube 5.0
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6564 represents a sophisticated persistent threat targeting Android devices through a rootkit-like mechanism embedded within the firmware of numerous low-end and mid-range smartphones. This privileged binary named debugs operates with root privileges and resides in the system partition at /system/bin/debugs, making it inherently difficult to detect and remove through standard user-level operations. The binary's presence in devices manufactured by various brands including BLU, Infinix, DOOGEE, LEAGOO, and others indicates a widespread compromise affecting multiple device models across different price segments. The rootkit characteristics are evident through the multiple techniques employed to hide the binary's execution, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1064 for persistence through rootkit mechanisms and T1543.003 for boot or logon persistence through kernel modules.
The technical flaw lies in the binary's design to perform over-the-air update checks while simultaneously maintaining unauthorized remote access capabilities. This binary communicates with three specific command and control servers using unencrypted HTTP connections, violating fundamental security principles and making network traffic easily interceptible and analyzable. The communication protocol uses POST requests with JSON payloads containing device registration information and receives responses that can execute arbitrary commands, install applications, or modify system configurations. This architecture creates a persistent backdoor that operates below the normal detection capabilities of standard Android security mechanisms. The binary's behavior demonstrates a clear violation of CWE-284 Access Control, as it operates with excessive privileges while maintaining unauthorized network connectivity. The use of HTTP instead of HTTPS communication represents a significant weakness in the security architecture, making the system vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and network traffic analysis.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices through the execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges. The ability to install applications, update configurations, and execute system-level commands creates a persistent threat that can remain undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability affects a broad range of devices including smartphones from multiple manufacturers, indicating that attackers may have targeted the rootkit through supply chain compromises or firmware modifications. The presence of this binary across different device models suggests a coordinated attack rather than isolated incidents, potentially enabling large-scale surveillance or data exfiltration operations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that these devices are often used in environments where sensitive data is processed, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The binary's ability to execute commands through server responses creates a remote administration capability that can be exploited for various malicious activities including data theft, malware installation, and system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive device-level interventions including firmware updates from manufacturers, complete device reinstallation, and network monitoring to detect unauthorized communications. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to prevent communication with the known command and control domains, while also conducting thorough forensic analysis to determine if devices have been compromised. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure boot processes and firmware integrity checks, as highlighted in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-147 and ISO/IEC 27031. Device manufacturers should implement robust code signing and integrity verification mechanisms to prevent unauthorized binary modifications, while security teams should monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security audits of third-party components and firmware sources, as it represents a supply chain security risk that can affect multiple device models simultaneously. Given the rootkit nature of this binary, traditional antivirus solutions may be ineffective, requiring specialized forensic tools and system-level security measures for complete remediation.