CVE-2016-8392 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm sound 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-31385862. References: QC-CR#1073136.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8392 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm sound driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness exists within the kernel-level drivers that manage audio functionality, specifically affecting Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from its requirement to first compromise a privileged process before exploitation can occur, making it a sophisticated attack vector that targets the fundamental system integrity. The issue was tracked under Android ID A-31385862 and referenced in Qualcomm's internal tracking system QC-CR#1073136, indicating its significance within the mobile security landscape.
The technical flaw manifests in the Qualcomm sound driver implementation where improper input validation and memory handling allows a local malicious application to escalate privileges and execute code with kernel-level permissions. This occurs through a combination of buffer overflow vulnerabilities and inadequate access controls within the audio subsystem's kernel modules. The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the sound driver and the kernel, enabling an attacker who has already gained access to a privileged process to leverage this weakness for complete system compromise. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for privilege escalation that bypasses normal Android security mechanisms designed to protect kernel space from unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices as it enables attackers to gain root-level access to affected systems. Once exploited, the malicious application can perform actions such as modifying system files, installing persistent backdoors, accessing sensitive user data, and completely compromising device security. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially affect enterprise environments where mobile devices handle confidential corporate information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a pre-existing compromised privileged process, which makes it less likely to be exploited in casual attacks but still represents a serious threat in targeted campaigns. The kernel-level nature of the flaw means that traditional application sandboxing mechanisms cannot prevent exploitation once the vulnerability is successfully leveraged.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8392 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates and Qualcomm firmware updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure timely deployment of security patches across all affected devices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory management, particularly buffer overflows and improper access control in kernel modules. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and kernel exploitation methods, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation tactic. Device manufacturers and carriers must prioritize rapid response to such vulnerabilities, as the window for exploitation remains open until patches are deployed. Regular security assessments and monitoring of kernel-level components should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain overall system integrity.