CVE-2016-6754 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in Webview in Android 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and 6.x before 2016-11-05 could enable a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code when the user is navigating to a website. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote code execution in an unprivileged process. Android ID: A-31217937.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
This vulnerability resides within the WebView component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 5.0.x before 5.0.2, 5.1.x before 5.1.1, and Android 6.0 before the 2016-11-05 security patch release. The flaw represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized execution of arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the WebView rendering engine, which processes web content and JavaScript execution. According to the Android security advisory A-31217937, this issue affects unprivileged processes, meaning that attackers can exploit it without requiring elevated system privileges or root access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered simply through user navigation to a malicious website, making it highly accessible to threat actors. The technical nature of this flaw allows attackers to bypass standard security boundaries that typically isolate web content from the underlying operating system, creating a direct pathway for malicious code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6754 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted devices without user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This vulnerability can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data theft, device compromise, and deployment of additional malware payloads. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond normal web browsing, making it susceptible to automated exploitation through drive-by download techniques. Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, which indicates that the WebView component fails to properly validate memory operations during web content rendering. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it allows attackers to execute JavaScript code with elevated privileges. The risk is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Android 5.x and 6.0 versions, which were prevalent at the time of the vulnerability disclosure, creating a substantial attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6754 focus primarily on immediate system updates and security configuration adjustments. Organizations and individuals should prioritize applying the latest Android security patches, particularly the November 2016 updates that addressed this specific vulnerability. The recommended approach includes implementing robust mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for vulnerable device configurations. Network-level defenses should incorporate web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains and implement sandboxing techniques to isolate WebView processes. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary WebView functionality and implementing strict content security policies for web applications that utilize WebView components. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through social engineering campaigns, where attackers craft malicious websites designed to trigger the vulnerability automatically upon page load. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining vulnerable devices within their networks and implement network segmentation to limit the potential lateral movement of attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process requires not only patching affected systems but also educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their mobile devices updated with the latest security patches.