CVE-2016-8487 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-28823724.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8487 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's closed source kernel components that affects Android devices running the Android kernel. This vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Qualcomm proprietary drivers and system components that interface with the Android kernel. The issue manifests when the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters or enforce proper privilege checks during specific system calls or hardware interface operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it resides in the closed source Qualcomm components that are integral to Android's hardware abstraction layer, making it difficult for security researchers and device manufacturers to fully assess and remediate the issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a privilege escalation path through kernel memory management or hardware abstraction layer operations where unprivileged user processes can manipulate kernel data structures or system calls to gain elevated privileges. The flaw typically occurs when the kernel does not properly enforce access controls or validate the legitimacy of operations performed by user-space applications against kernel resources. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-276 which specifically addresses improper privilege management, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploitation of remote services for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects Android devices that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and their associated proprietary kernel modules, creating a widespread impact across numerous Android smartphone and tablet models.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8487 is severe as it allows attackers to escalate privileges from standard user-level processes to kernel-level operations, potentially enabling complete system compromise. Successful exploitation could allow malicious actors to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, or perform other malicious activities that would normally be restricted to system-level processes. The closed source nature of the affected Qualcomm components means that patches are often delayed or incomplete, leaving devices vulnerable for extended periods. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users may not regularly update their devices or where manufacturers take time to release security patches. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire device ecosystems, as many Android devices rely on the same Qualcomm kernel components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate and long-term approaches to address the underlying privilege escalation mechanisms. Device manufacturers should implement kernel patches that properly validate input parameters and enforce strict access controls on kernel interfaces, particularly those that interact with Qualcomm's proprietary components. Security researchers and vendors must work together to reverse engineer the affected closed source components to better understand the vulnerability and develop appropriate patches. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from manufacturers and avoid installing untrusted applications that may exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of kernel patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in device functionality while properly addressing the privilege escalation vectors. Additionally, implementing runtime protection mechanisms and enhanced kernel security features such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense in depth against exploitation attempts.