CVE-2016-6692 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/video/msm/mdss/mdss_mdp_pp.c in the Qualcomm MDSS driver in Android before 2016-10-05 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid pointer access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors, aka Qualcomm internal bug CR 1004933.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6692 resides within the Qualcomm MDSS (Mobile Display Subsystem) driver component of Android operating systems, specifically in the mdss_mdp_pp.c file. This driver manages display processing operations for Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and serves as a critical interface between the Android graphics subsystem and hardware display controllers. The flaw manifests as an invalid pointer access condition that can be triggered through unspecified attack vectors, potentially leading to system instability or more severe consequences. This vulnerability was classified as a Qualcomm internal bug with the identifier CR 1004933, indicating it was originally discovered and tracked within Qualcomm's internal security monitoring systems before being publicly disclosed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues, specifically invalid pointer dereferences that occur when the driver attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or have already been freed. Such conditions typically arise from inadequate input validation or improper state management within kernel-level drivers. The mdss_mdp_pp.c file handles display post-processing operations including color correction, contrast adjustment, and other graphical enhancements, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt display functionality. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, potentially including crafted graphics commands, malformed display configuration data, or other inputs that flow through the display processing pipeline to reach this vulnerable code path.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for affected Android devices. The denial of service condition can result in complete display failure, forcing users to reboot their devices or potentially rendering the device unusable until the system is restarted. The possibility of unspecified other impacts suggests that exploitation might extend beyond simple service disruption to include privilege escalation or information disclosure, though the exact scope remains unclear from the available description. Given that this vulnerability affects the core display driver component, it impacts all Android devices utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to the 2016-10-05 security update, meaning devices that have not received this patch remain at risk. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where display functionality is essential for user interaction and system usability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6692 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security patches released as part of the Android security bulletin for October 2016. Organizations and device users should immediately install the latest security updates from their device manufacturers, as these patches typically include memory validation checks and proper pointer handling mechanisms to prevent the invalid access conditions. System administrators managing Android-based devices in enterprise environments should prioritize patch deployment and conduct vulnerability assessments to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel driver security practices and input validation, aligning with CWE-476 which addresses null pointer dereference conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain targeting mobile device stability and user experience, potentially serving as an initial foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Regular security monitoring and device update management practices are essential to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the display subsystem and other kernel components.