CVE-2016-6680 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
CORE/HDD/src/wlan_hdd_wext.c in the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver in Android before 2016-10-05 on Nexus 5X and Android One devices allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application that makes an iw_set_priv ioctl call, aka Android internal bug 29982678 and Qualcomm internal bug CR 1048052.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6680 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver implementation on Android devices. This issue exists in the wlan_hdd_wext.c source file located within the CORE/HDD/src directory of the Android Wi-Fi subsystem. The vulnerability specifically affects Android versions prior to 2016-10-05 and impacts Nexus 5X and Android One devices, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these platforms. The flaw stems from improper validation of ioctl (input/output control) parameters within the wireless extension interface, which is a standard mechanism for configuring wireless network interfaces in Linux-based systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that invokes the iw_set_priv ioctl call, which is designed to set private wireless extension parameters. This particular ioctl interface lacks proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms, allowing malicious applications to manipulate the driver's internal state and extract sensitive information from kernel memory. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which categorizes improper information exposure, and specifically relates to the improper handling of ioctl parameters in kernel space drivers. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access confidential data that should remain protected within the kernel's memory space, potentially including cryptographic keys, session information, or other security-sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breach in the Android security model's kernel isolation principles. The ability to extract sensitive information through a user-space application demonstrates a significant privilege escalation vector that could be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise device security. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and kernel memory protection that forms the foundation of Android's security architecture. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only a malicious application to be installed on the device, making it accessible to attackers who can distribute such applications through legitimate app stores or other distribution channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper parameter validation within the ioctl handler functions, specifically ensuring that all input parameters are thoroughly checked before being processed. The recommended approach includes adding bounds checking, type validation, and proper memory access controls to prevent unauthorized data extraction from kernel memory. System administrators should ensure that affected devices receive the appropriate security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, which typically include kernel-level fixes that address the improper ioctl parameter handling. Additionally, the implementation of kernel address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigation techniques can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and highlights the importance of secure kernel driver development practices in mobile operating systems. The fix typically involves updating the Android Wi-Fi driver to properly validate all ioctl parameters and implement appropriate access controls that prevent unauthorized memory access through the wireless extension interface.