CVE-2016-8485 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-28823681.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8485 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Qualcomm's closed source components that affects the Android kernel. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the kernel space, specifically within the Qualcomm-specific drivers and subsystems that are integral to Android devices. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to certain memory regions or data structures that contain confidential information. This type of flaw falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities, which can potentially expose sensitive system data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel specifically, indicating that it operates at a fundamental level within the operating system's core functionality where device security and data integrity are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the Qualcomm closed source components handle memory management and data access controls within the kernel environment. These components, which are proprietary to Qualcomm and not publicly disclosed, contain logic that fails to properly validate or restrict access to sensitive kernel memory regions. When certain kernel functions are invoked or when specific hardware interactions occur, the system does not adequately protect against unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the privileged kernel execution context where standard user-space protections do not apply. This allows for potential exploitation that could reveal confidential information such as cryptographic keys, user data, or system configuration details that should remain protected. The flaw demonstrates a weakness in the kernel's privilege separation mechanisms and access control implementation, which is a core requirement for maintaining system security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8485 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breach in the security model of Android devices that rely on Qualcomm's proprietary kernel components. Devices utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets could potentially expose sensitive information to malicious actors who gain access to the device, either through physical access or through other attack vectors that leverage the kernel vulnerability. The information disclosure could enable attackers to extract cryptographic material, device identifiers, or other confidential data that could be used for further exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects the Android platform because it operates at the kernel level where device security is most critical, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats. The impact is compounded by the fact that the closed source nature of Qualcomm's components means that the vulnerability is not easily detectable or patchable by standard security measures, and only Qualcomm can provide the necessary fixes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8485 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate kernel-level vulnerability and the broader security implications. Organizations and device manufacturers should prioritize updating to the latest Qualcomm firmware and Android kernel versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. The recommended remediation involves applying the official security patches provided by Qualcomm and Google, which typically include kernel-level fixes that properly sanitize memory access and implement stronger access controls. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors. The mitigation approach aligns with the principle of defense in depth as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks, requiring both preventive measures through patching and detective controls through monitoring. Given the nature of the vulnerability, which relates to improper information disclosure, it is essential to maintain proper access controls and implement principle of least privilege configurations. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of supply chain security and the need for comprehensive security assessments of third-party components, particularly those that operate at the kernel level where the impact of security flaws can be catastrophic. The issue is categorized under CWE-200 (Information Disclosure) and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack chains that align with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and information gathering.