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CVE-2016-2496: Google Android: Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames

CVE-2016-2496 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 and affects Google Android. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

The Framework UI permission-dialog implementation in Android 6.x before 2016-06-01 allows attackers to conduct tapjacking attacks and access arbitrary private-storage files by creating a partially overlapping window, aka internal bug 26677796.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.1 9.8: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-1021: Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames

The web application does not restrict or incorrectly restricts frame objects or UI layers that belong to another application or domain.

Affected products

Google Android: 6.0; 6.0.1