CVE-2016-8456 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Broadcom Wi-Fi 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-32219255. References: B-RB#105580.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The CVE-2016-8456 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This vulnerability exists in kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel versions across various Android devices. The flaw allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that separate user-space applications from the privileged kernel space. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement of first compromising a privileged process, which creates a multi-layered attack vector that can be particularly devastating in targeted scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver's insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling mechanisms. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the Wi-Fi driver through kernel interfaces, the driver fails to properly validate the permissions and capabilities of the calling process. This validation gap enables the attacker to manipulate kernel data structures and execute code with elevated privileges that should normally be restricted to the kernel itself. The vulnerability specifically affects the driver's handling of certain ioctl commands and memory management operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that operates at the kernel level rather than through user-space exploitation techniques. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-264 category of "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls" and represents a classic example of improper privilege management in kernel drivers.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8456 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the Android operating system. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete control over the device's kernel, enabling them to modify system files, disable security features, install persistent backdoors, and access all user data without restriction. The attack vector requires initial compromise of a privileged process, but this initial foothold can be achieved through various means including phishing attacks, malicious app installations, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities in the system. The kernel-level execution capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate data and where the compromise of a single device could lead to broader network infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and specifically targets the kernel-level privilege escalation pathways that are fundamental to Android's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8456 primarily focus on patch management and system hardening approaches. Device manufacturers and system administrators should prioritize the immediate application of security patches provided by Broadcom and Android security teams, which typically involve updating the Wi-Fi driver components and implementing stricter input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing measures and monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive driver security testing before deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and enforce security policies that limit the capabilities of applications with elevated privileges. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel-level security in mobile operating systems and the need for continuous security assessment of device drivers that operate with elevated privileges.