CVE-2016-8476 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm 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-32879283. References: QC-CR#1091940.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8476 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android systems. This vulnerability exists within the kernel-level networking stack and specifically affects Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the wireless driver module that processes network packets and manages Wi-Fi connectivity. The vulnerability is classified as High severity because it requires initial compromise of a privileged process to exploit, but once achieved, it grants the malicious application complete kernel-level privileges. This represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability was tracked under Android ID A-32879283 and referenced in Qualcomm's internal security tracking system QC-CR#1091940.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver handles certain network-related data structures and memory operations. Specifically, the issue occurs when the driver processes incoming wireless frames or manages network configuration parameters that are passed from user-space applications to kernel-space. The flaw likely manifests through buffer overflow conditions, use-after-free scenarios, or improper memory access patterns that allow a malicious application to manipulate kernel memory. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Location, which encompasses various memory safety issues including buffer overflows and memory corruption. The attack vector requires a local malicious application that has already gained some level of system access, typically through a compromised privileged process, which then leverages this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain kernel-level control.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe consequences for Android device security and user privacy. Once exploited, the malicious application could access all system resources, read sensitive data from other applications, modify system configurations, and potentially install persistent backdoors. The kernel-level access enables attackers to bypass standard security mechanisms such as SELinux policies, application sandboxing, and other Android security controls. This vulnerability could be exploited in various attack scenarios including malicious app installations, supply chain compromises, or targeted attacks against specific devices. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially affect entire fleets of devices if the vulnerability remains unpatched. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The exploitation of this vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within network environments and enable more sophisticated attack chains.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8476 primarily focus on applying timely security patches and updates from Qualcomm and Android security teams. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the kernel-level flaw in the Wi-Fi driver component. System administrators and security professionals should implement monitoring for suspicious network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel modules and proper input validation for all system drivers. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of kernel-level activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated kernel components and driver modules. The remediation process requires careful consideration of the patching schedule to ensure compatibility with existing applications and system functionality while maintaining security integrity. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and avoiding installation of untrusted applications that could serve as initial attack vectors for privilege escalation exploits.