CVE-2016-6708 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege in the System UI in Android 7.0 before 2016-11-01 could enable a local malicious user to bypass the security prompt of your work profile in Multi-Window mode. This issue is rated as High because it is a local bypass of user interaction requirements for any developer or security setting modifications. Android ID: A-30693465.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6708 represents a critical security flaw in Android 7.0's System UI component that specifically targets the work profile security mechanisms within Multi-Window mode. This issue enables a local attacker to circumvent the intended security prompts that normally require explicit user interaction when making modifications to work profile settings or developer configurations. The vulnerability exists within the system's user interface layer and leverages the Multi-Window functionality to execute unauthorized actions without proper authentication or user consent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in how the System UI handles security prompts during Multi-Window operations. When users engage with multiple applications simultaneously in Multi-Window mode, the system should enforce security boundaries between personal and work profiles, requiring explicit user confirmation before allowing modifications to security settings or developer options. However, the flaw allows malicious applications running in the personal profile to bypass these security checks and directly access or modify work profile configurations. This bypass mechanism operates at the system UI level rather than through traditional application interfaces, making it particularly insidious as it can be triggered without user awareness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for enterprise security environments where work profiles are used to maintain separation between personal and corporate data. A local malicious user could potentially access sensitive corporate information, modify security settings, or even escalate privileges within the work profile without the user's knowledge or consent. This bypass affects the fundamental security model of Android's work profile implementation, undermining the trust boundary between personal and corporate environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in corporate settings where users may have access to sensitive data and applications that require strict security controls.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The flaw represents a local privilege escalation vector that allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to work profile security controls without proper authentication. Security researchers have noted that this issue particularly affects organizations using Android Enterprise or similar work profile implementations, where the separation of concerns between personal and corporate data is essential for maintaining security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of implementing secure multi-window functionality while maintaining proper security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the official Android security patches released in November 2016, which addressed the specific flaw in System UI's handling of work profile security prompts. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices running version 7.0 are updated to the latest security patches available from Google. Additionally, administrators should implement strict device management policies that limit the ability of applications to access work profile settings and monitor for unauthorized modifications to security configurations. Network-level monitoring can help detect suspicious activities related to work profile access attempts, while regular security audits should verify that proper separation between personal and work profiles is maintained. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping security configurations up to date and implementing proper application vetting processes to prevent malicious applications from exploiting such flaws.