CVE-2016-6755 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm camera driver 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. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-30740545. References: QC-CR#1065916.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6755 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm camera driver component of Android operating systems. This weakness exists in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel versions across various Android devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the camera driver's kernel space implementation, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and execute code with kernel-level permissions. The issue is classified as High severity because it requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, but once achieved, it provides attackers with complete control over the device's kernel space operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in how the Qualcomm camera driver handles certain input parameters and memory operations within kernel context. When a malicious application successfully compromises a privileged process, it can leverage this weakness to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as the underlying cause, where the camera driver fails to properly validate and sanitize inputs received from user-space applications. The kernel-level execution context provides attackers with access to critical system resources, including memory management, device drivers, and system calls, enabling them to bypass standard security mechanisms and potentially establish persistent backdoors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Android devices running affected kernel versions, as it allows attackers to gain root-level access and execute malicious code with complete system control. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as attackers can manipulate device behavior, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially install malware that persists across reboots. The vulnerability affects devices where the Qualcomm camera driver is actively used, which encompasses a substantial portion of Android smartphones and tablets. Security researchers have noted that such kernel-level vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without requiring user interaction or additional attack vectors, making them attractive targets for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploit development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6755 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to versions that include patches for the Qualcomm camera driver vulnerability, with particular attention to kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The recommended approach involves implementing timely security updates from device manufacturers and ensuring that all kernel components are properly patched. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring and behavioral analysis to detect anomalous kernel-level activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and demonstrates how attackers can leverage driver-level weaknesses to achieve system compromise. Device manufacturers and security professionals should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on kernel components and implement secure coding practices that prevent similar issues in future driver implementations.