CVE-2016-8426 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require reflashing the operating system to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10. Android ID: A-31799206. References: N-CVE-2016-8426.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
This critical elevation of privilege vulnerability exists within the NVIDIA GPU driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.10. The flaw allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions, fundamentally compromising the system's security model. The vulnerability represents a severe regression in Android's security architecture as it bypasses traditional privilege boundaries between user-space applications and the kernel. The issue is particularly dangerous because it enables persistent compromise of the device, potentially requiring complete system reinstallation or reflashing to remediate the exploit. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of the Android security framework by allowing unauthorized code execution at the most privileged level of the operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation or memory handling within the GPU driver's kernel modules. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious applications that exploit specific driver interfaces or memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability likely involves improper access control mechanisms or privilege checking routines that fail to properly validate the privileges of code executing within the GPU driver context. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, or CWE-119, concerning weak buffer access controls. The exploitation process would involve triggering specific driver functions that lead to privilege escalation through kernel memory manipulation or function pointer corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables permanent device compromise that can persist across reboots and system updates. A successful exploit could allow attackers to install rootkits, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the device's kernel space. The requirement for system reflashing indicates that the compromise affects core system components that cannot be easily patched through standard update mechanisms. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security assumptions of Android devices, particularly those utilizing NVIDIA Tegra processors. The attack surface is limited to local applications that can be installed on the device, but the impact is severe enough that it represents a critical threat to device integrity and user data security. The vulnerability's classification as critical by Android security teams reflects its potential for enabling complete device takeover without requiring user interaction or network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patch management procedures. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize deployment of updated GPU driver components that address the privilege escalation flaw. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through network-based indicators of compromise. The remediation process requires careful consideration of device compatibility and update deployment schedules to minimize service disruption. Organizations should also implement endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability requires local application installation for exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure driver development practices and regular security assessments of kernel-level components in mobile operating systems.