CVE-2016-8411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow vulnerability while processing QMI QOS TLVs. Product: Android. Versions: versions that have qmi_qos_srvc.c. Android ID: 31805216. References: QC CR#912775.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-8411 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Android operating system's QMI ( Qualcomm MSM Interface) QOS (Quality of Service) TLV (Type-Length-Value) processing functionality. This issue specifically affects Android versions that contain the qmi_qos_srvc.c source file, making it a fundamental flaw in the mobile platform's communication stack. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of QMI QOS TLVs which are used to configure and manage network quality of service parameters for mobile data connections. The Android ID 31805216 and Qualcomm reference CR#912775 indicate this was a well-documented issue within the mobile ecosystem that required specific attention from both Android and Qualcomm development teams.
The technical flaw manifests when the system processes malformed or oversized QMI QOS TLV structures without adequate bounds checking or input validation. This buffer overflow condition occurs in the qmi_qos_srvc.c file where the system attempts to store QOS configuration data into fixed-size buffers without verifying that the incoming TLV data fits within allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. The nature of QMI protocols means that this vulnerability can be triggered through network-based attacks that send specially crafted QOS TLV packets to devices running affected Android versions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability or crashes, as it provides potential attack vectors for remote code execution. When successfully exploited, an attacker could manipulate the device's memory layout to redirect execution flow, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The QMI service operates at a low level within the Android framework, often with elevated privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations, user data, or even root-level system controls. Mobile devices that rely heavily on cellular data connectivity and QMI services for network management would be most at risk, as the vulnerability could be triggered through normal network operations or malicious network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8411 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates that address the buffer overflow in qmi_qos_srvc.c. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect abnormal QMI traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 as "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1203 as "Exploitation of Remote Services," highlighting the need for comprehensive network security controls. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to potentially malicious QMI traffic, while also ensuring that all mobile device management policies include mandatory security update compliance to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.