CVE-2016-8432 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-3.18. Android ID: A-32447738. References: N-CVE-2016-8432.
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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 3.18. The flaw allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges from user-level to kernel-level execution, effectively bypassing the operating system's security boundaries. The vulnerability represents a severe compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality, as it enables arbitrary code execution within the most privileged context of the device. The Android ID A-32447738 identifies this specific issue within the Android security framework, while the reference to N-CVE-2016-8432 ties it to the broader NVIDIA security advisory system. The vulnerability's classification as Critical stems from its potential to enable complete device compromise without requiring any user interaction or external attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users may not be aware of the underlying security implications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and memory management within the NVIDIA GPU driver implementation. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this flaw, it can manipulate kernel memory structures or bypass access controls through insufficient validation of user-supplied data. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Access to Memory Location" and specifically relates to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or improper privilege checks that allow unauthorized code execution. The exploitation process likely involves crafting specific GPU commands or memory operations that trigger the kernel memory corruption, enabling the attacker to gain full control over the system's kernel execution context. The GPU driver's privileged position within the Android architecture makes this particularly dangerous, as it provides direct access to hardware resources and system memory that would otherwise be protected from user-level applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to permanent device compromise that may require complete system reinstallation or reflashing. Once exploited, the malicious application could install persistent backdoors, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or even render the device inoperable. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate data, as a single compromised device could serve as a foothold for broader network attacks. The requirement for reflashing the operating system to repair the device indicates that the vulnerability affects core system components that cannot be easily patched through standard update mechanisms, potentially leaving devices vulnerable for extended periods. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" and represents a critical step in establishing persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest security patches provided by NVIDIA and Android vendors, which typically include kernel-level fixes and driver updates that close the privilege escalation pathway. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure all mobile devices receive timely security updates, as this vulnerability can be exploited through seemingly benign applications that may be installed by users. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime monitoring to detect suspicious GPU driver behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that hardware-level security features such as ARM TrustZone or similar trusted execution environments could provide additional protection layers, though these may not be available on all Android devices. Regular security audits and penetration testing should specifically target GPU driver components to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited for privilege escalation.