CVE-2016-6768 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Framesequence library could enable an attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code in the context of an unprivileged process. This issue is rated as High due to the possibility of remote code execution in an application that uses the Framesequence library. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0. Android ID: A-31631842.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6768 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Framesequence library component of Android operating systems. This library is responsible for handling frame sequence data processing, which is commonly used in multimedia applications and image rendering functions. The flaw manifests when the library fails to properly validate input data structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of unprivileged processes. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, and 7.0, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue is classified as High severity due to its potential for remote code execution, which allows attackers to compromise systems without requiring local access or elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The Framesequence library typically processes multimedia content such as animated images or video sequences, making it a common target for attackers who can craft malicious files to exploit the validation gap.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially designed file that contains malformed frame sequence data. When the vulnerable Android application processes this malicious input through the Framesequence library, the improper validation allows the attacker to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be delivered remotely through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious applications that utilize the affected library. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond the mere opening of the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter multimedia content from untrusted sources. The exploitation process typically involves leveraging buffer overflow conditions to overwrite memory locations and redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in Android's security model because successful exploitation can allow attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and potentially escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6768 extends beyond individual device compromise to affect entire Android deployments across various organizations and user bases. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become vulnerable to remote attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions means that organizations cannot simply rely on version updates to mitigate the risk, as the flaw exists across a broad range of supported platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to devices, monitor user activities, intercept communications, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data, as successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches or insider threat scenarios. The vulnerability also affects applications that utilize the Framesequence library for processing user-generated content, creating a broad attack surface that extends beyond traditional security boundaries. Organizations must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks when devices are compromised through this vulnerability, as mobile devices often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6768 require immediate action to address the vulnerability across affected Android deployments. The primary recommendation involves applying the security patches released by Google as part of their regular Android security updates, which typically include fixes for the Framesequence library validation issues. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to versions that contain the patched library implementation, with particular attention to the Android versions 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, and 7.0. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including content filtering, application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. The security community recommends that organizations conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify applications that may be utilizing the vulnerable Framesequence library, as third-party applications might also be at risk. Mobile device management solutions should be configured to enforce automatic security updates where possible, and administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis or endpoint detection systems. Given the vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow, organizations should also consider implementing exploit mitigation techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention measures to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted multimedia files and the importance of maintaining up-to-date device software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.