CVE-2016-6772 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Wi-Fi could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. This issue is rated as Moderate because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0. Android ID: A-31856351.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6772 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Android Wi-Fi subsystem that demonstrates how local malicious applications can exploit weaknesses in system processes to gain unauthorized access to privileged execution contexts. This vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 5.0.2, 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, and 7.0, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Android releases that were actively deployed in 2016. The issue stems from improper access controls and privilege management within the Wi-Fi framework, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges from a standard application level to that of system-level processes.
The technical flaw manifests through a weakness in how the Android Wi-Fi service handles privilege checks and process isolation mechanisms. When a malicious application attempts to interact with Wi-Fi subsystem components, the vulnerability allows it to manipulate or bypass existing security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to privileged system functions. This typically occurs through improper validation of input parameters or insufficient sandboxing of Wi-Fi related processes, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process that normally would not be accessible to regular applications. The vulnerability's classification as Moderate severity reflects the requirement for initial compromise of a privileged process, yet this prerequisite does not diminish its potential impact on system integrity and security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise. Once exploited, the malicious application could access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, intercept network communications, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. The implications are particularly severe given that Wi-Fi functionality is fundamental to most Android devices and typically operates with elevated privileges to manage network connections and system networking components. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected devices, potentially leading to data theft, privacy violations, or use of compromised devices for further attacks against networks or other systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6772 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as this vulnerability was addressed through Android security updates released in 2016. Organizations and users should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected Android devices receive timely security updates. Additional defensive measures include network monitoring for suspicious Wi-Fi related activities, implementation of application control policies to restrict potentially malicious applications, and regular security assessments of mobile device environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges and access control mechanisms, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' in adversary behavior frameworks. Device administrators should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and restrict application permissions to minimize potential attack surface exposure.