CVE-2016-10407
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability is an integer overflow leading to buffer overflow in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets during VT calls, allowing potential remote code execution. It affects Android devices with specific Qualcomm Snapdragon processors before the April 2018 security patch. Attackers could exploit this to gain control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon SD 210, SD 212, SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete device compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Device crash/reboot (DoS) or limited code execution in user-space context.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if VT calling functionality is disabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering VT call functionality. No public exploit code available, but vulnerability is well-documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level April 5, 2018 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2018-04-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. 2. If before April 2018, update to latest available Android version. 3. If no update available from manufacturer, consider replacing device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable VT Calling
androidDisable video telephony functionality to prevent exploitation vector
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices on separate network segments with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for unusual VT call traffic patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone. If date is before April 2018, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows April 2018 or later. Test VT calling functionality to ensure it still works without crashes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- VT call failures/crashes
- Unusual process creation from telephony services
Network Indicators:
- Unusual VT call traffic patterns
- Malformed video telephony packets
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND ("kernel panic" OR "VT call" OR "qualcomm")