CVE-2015-0571 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The WLAN (aka Wi-Fi) driver for the Linux kernel 3.x and 4.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, does not verify authorization for private SET IOCTL calls, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, related to wlan_hdd_hostapd.c and wlan_hdd_wext.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0571 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically affecting Qualcomm MSM devices running Android versions that incorporate kernel 3.x and 4.x. This issue stems from inadequate authorization verification mechanisms within the wireless driver implementation, creating a pathway for malicious applications to execute unauthorized operations that should be restricted to privileged system components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects devices where the Qualcomm Innovation Center contributed kernel modifications, making it prevalent across numerous Android smartphones and tablets that utilize Qualcomm's wireless chipsets. The flaw resides in the wlan_hdd_hostapd.c and wlan_hdd_wext.c source files, which handle the host access point daemon and wireless extensions respectively, indicating that the vulnerability spans across core wireless networking functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper authorization checks for private SET IOCTL (Input/Output Control) calls within the wireless driver framework. IOCTL calls serve as the primary interface for communication between user-space applications and kernel-space drivers, with SET operations typically requiring elevated privileges to modify system configurations or access sensitive hardware components. When the driver fails to verify the authorization status of these private IOCTL calls, it allows any application with appropriate permissions to potentially execute operations that should be restricted to kernel-level components or privileged system services. This authorization bypass enables attackers to manipulate wireless networking parameters, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or executing malicious code with elevated privileges that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability specifically targets the wireless hardware driver layer, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a level that can directly influence network connectivity, security policies, and hardware access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0571 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the device's security model. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify wireless network configurations, inject malicious network traffic, or even gain access to other system components that rely on wireless networking functionality. The implications are particularly severe for mobile devices where wireless connectivity is fundamental to device operation, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against wireless communications. The attack vector requires only a crafted application, meaning that even standard Android applications could potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users download applications from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0571 should focus on implementing proper authorization verification mechanisms within the wireless driver code, ensuring that all private IOCTL calls undergo rigorous authentication and authorization checks before execution. Device manufacturers should prioritize updating affected kernel versions with patches that enforce proper access controls for wireless driver interfaces, particularly targeting the wlan_hdd_hostapd.c and wlan_hdd_wext.c files where the vulnerability originates. System administrators and security teams should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing on affected devices, while also monitoring for suspicious network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be advised to avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level drivers, particularly regarding privilege management and input validation, and serves as a reminder of the critical security implications when authorization mechanisms are bypassed in system-level components. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their wireless networking implementations and ensure that all driver interfaces properly enforce access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.