CVE-2016-8484 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-28823575.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8484 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's closed source components that specifically affects Android kernel versions. This vulnerability resides in the proprietary Qualcomm software stack that interfaces with the Android operating system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The issue stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the Qualcomm closed source drivers and kernel modules that manage hardware interactions and system resources.
This technical flaw operates through a privilege escalation mechanism that allows attackers to manipulate kernel-level processes and gain unauthorized administrative access to the device. The vulnerability manifests when the Android kernel fails to properly validate inputs from Qualcomm's proprietary components, enabling crafted malicious payloads to exploit weaknesses in the kernel's privilege management systems. The closed source nature of the affected Qualcomm components makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it limits the ability of security researchers and device manufacturers to fully analyze and patch the issue. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which deals with improper privilege management, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8484 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full device compromise capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can gain root access to the Android device, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious applications, access all user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects all Android devices that utilize Qualcomm's proprietary kernel components, making it widespread across numerous smartphone and tablet models. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction and can be achieved through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised websites, or even physical device access. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel layer means that traditional application-level security measures provide insufficient protection against this threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8484 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patching, system hardening, and ongoing monitoring. Device manufacturers must prioritize the deployment of Qualcomm's official security patches and kernel updates that address the privilege escalation flaw in their closed source components. Organizations should implement robust mobile device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for unauthorized application installations. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, underscores the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures including behavioral monitoring and anomaly detection systems. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based controls to prevent exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle kernel-level privilege escalation attacks. Given the closed source nature of the affected components, continuous vulnerability assessment and threat intelligence monitoring become critical elements of the overall security posture to identify potential variants or related vulnerabilities in the Qualcomm ecosystem.