CVE-2016-8437 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation in Access Control APIs. Access control API may return memory range checking incorrectly. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel 3.18. Android ID: A-31623057. References: QC-CR#1009695.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8437 represents a critical flaw in the Android kernel's access control mechanisms that stems from improper input validation within the kernel's security APIs. This issue affects the kernel version 3.18 and is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the fundamental security architecture that governs system access controls and memory management operations. The vulnerability manifests when access control APIs fail to properly validate input parameters, leading to incorrect memory range checking behavior that could potentially allow unauthorized access to protected system resources.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the kernel's security subsystem where access control decisions are made based on input parameters that should be rigorously validated before processing. When these validation checks are bypassed or improperly implemented, the system may incorrectly determine memory access permissions, potentially allowing malicious actors to traverse memory boundaries that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE category of improper input validation, specifically CWE-20, which is a well-documented weakness that enables various attack vectors including buffer overflows and privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8437 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it fundamentally undermines the kernel's ability to enforce proper access controls. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, access restricted memory regions, or manipulate system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level issue means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, as the kernel serves as the foundational layer that enforces all system security policies. This aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as privilege escalation and defense evasion, where adversaries leverage kernel-level weaknesses to maintain persistent access and avoid detection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Android kernel version 3.18, as the fix typically involves implementing proper input validation routines within the access control APIs to ensure memory range checking operates correctly. System administrators should prioritize updating devices to versions that contain the patched kernel implementation, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes alone. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unauthorized memory access patterns and privilege escalation events. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level access control flaw makes it particularly challenging to detect through traditional application-level security measures, requiring system-level monitoring and integrity checking mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts.