CVE-2016-6705 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Mediaserver in Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, 6.x before 2016-11-01, and 7.0 before 2016-11-01 could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. This issue is rated as High because it could be used to gain local access to elevated capabilities, which are not normally accessible to a third-party application. Android ID: A-30907212.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6705 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Mediaserver component of Android operating systems. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, 6.x before the 2016-11-01 security patch, and 7.0 before the same patch timeline. The Mediaserver process operates with elevated privileges and handles media processing functions across the Android framework, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability allows a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the privileged context of the Mediaserver process, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect the system from unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Mediaserver component. When processing media files or commands, the system fails to properly validate certain parameters or memory allocations, creating opportunities for buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This flaw specifically manifests in how the Mediaserver handles certain media-related operations, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate memory structures or execute code injection attacks against the privileged process. The vulnerability's classification as High severity reflects its potential to be exploited locally without requiring network access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any application installed on the device, regardless of its permissions or security context.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6705 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain access to system-level capabilities that are normally restricted to system components and services. Once exploited, the malicious application could potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, intercept communications between system components, or even install persistent backdoors. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of Android by allowing third-party applications to bypass the normal privilege boundaries that protect the system from unauthorized access. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects multiple Android versions simultaneously, meaning that a wide range of devices could be vulnerable depending on their security patch levels and the specific implementation of the Mediaserver component.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer" and CWE-787, which deals with "Out-of-bounds Write." The attack pattern follows typical privilege escalation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068 category for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Organizations and security professionals should prioritize patching affected systems, as the vulnerability requires no special user interaction or network access to exploit. The Android security team addressed this issue through the 2016-11-01 security updates, which included memory validation fixes and improved input sanitization within the Mediaserver component. Device manufacturers and carriers should ensure timely deployment of these security patches, as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to device security and user privacy.