CVE-2015-0576 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in HSDPA.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0576 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) implementation of Qualcomm's Android-based products. This issue affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Code-Aurora Forum (CAF) that incorporate the Linux kernel, making it a widespread concern across numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the HSDPA protocol handling mechanisms within the modem subsystem, where inadequate input validation and memory management practices create exploitable conditions.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition within the HSDPA processing code path, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted data packets to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of packet headers and payload data within the Linux kernel's network stack implementation, particularly affecting the radio access network protocols used for high-speed data transmission. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of HSDPA data structures, where fixed-size buffers are populated with variable-length input data without adequate validation of input boundaries. This weakness aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow vulnerabilities as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides potential attackers with pathways for remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers can exploit this flaw by transmitting specially crafted HSDPA packets to affected devices, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges within the modem processor. The implications are particularly severe given that HSDPA is a core component of 3G mobile networks, making this vulnerability exploitable in wide-area network environments where legitimate mobile traffic flows. This attack vector could enable adversaries to gain persistent access to mobile devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of backdoors for further exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel layer means that exploitation could affect not only the mobile device's user interface but also underlying system functions and security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0576 require comprehensive firmware and kernel updates from device manufacturers, as the vulnerability exists within the core modem software components. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected Qualcomm-based devices, particularly those operating in high-risk environments where mobile network attacks are a concern. The remediation process involves updating the Linux kernel implementation of HSDPA protocols with proper bounds checking mechanisms and input validation routines. Security teams should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous HSDPA traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and memory protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of network protocol implementations, particularly in mobile device modems where the attack surface can directly impact user privacy and device security.