CVE-2016-6744 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Synaptics touchscreen driver in Android before 2016-11-05 could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as High because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Android ID: A-30970485.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6744 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Synaptics touchscreen driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness existed in Android versions prior to the 2016-11-05 security update and allowed malicious applications with local access to potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability operates through a privilege escalation mechanism that leverages the touchscreen driver's insufficient input validation and memory management controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution in the most privileged system context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of input data within the Synaptics driver component that processes touchscreen events. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this weakness, it can manipulate the driver's memory structures through crafted input sequences that bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw manifests as a failure in the driver's validation mechanisms, allowing untrusted input to be processed without adequate sanitization. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses related to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, and specifically relates to improper handling of memory access in kernel-space components. The attack vector requires a local privileged process compromise as a prerequisite, making it a sophisticated target that demands initial access to a system before exploitation can occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the kernel execution environment. Once successfully exploited, the malicious application gains the ability to manipulate system memory, modify kernel data structures, and potentially access sensitive information without restriction. This level of access enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, modify system integrity checks, and effectively subvert the entire Android security model. The vulnerability's classification as High severity reflects the significant risk it poses to system integrity and the potential for widespread compromise across affected Android devices. The Android ID A-30970485 indicates this issue was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, emphasizing its significance in the mobile security landscape.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6744 primarily focus on applying the security patches released by Google and device manufacturers. The recommended approach involves updating Android systems to versions released after 2016-11-05, which contain the necessary fixes to address the driver's memory handling issues. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as application sandboxing and runtime monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations deploying affected Android devices should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate all instances of the vulnerable Synaptics driver components. The mitigation process should include verification of patch installation through automated compliance checking and monitoring for anomalous kernel-level activities that might indicate attempted exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral analysis tools that can detect suspicious patterns in driver interactions and provide early warning of potential attacks targeting similar kernel vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for mobile operating systems and highlights the risks associated with kernel-level privilege escalation flaws in mobile platforms.