CVE-2015-1474 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the GraphicBuffer::unflatten function in platform/frameworks/native/libs/ui/GraphicBuffer.cpp in Android through 5.0 allow attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via vectors that trigger a large number of (1) file descriptors or (2) integer values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1474 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Android operating system's native graphics framework. This vulnerability exists in the GraphicBuffer::unflatten function located in platform/frameworks/native/libs/ui/GraphicBuffer.cpp, affecting Android versions through 5.0. The flaw manifests when the system processes graphic buffer data structures that contain malformed file descriptor counts or integer values. The integer overflow occurs during the deserialization process where the system attempts to reconstruct graphic buffer objects from flattened data representations. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious graphic buffer data containing excessive file descriptor counts or oversized integer values. During the unflatten operation, the system's integer arithmetic operations overflow, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The flaw specifically affects the handling of file descriptors and integer values during graphic buffer reconstruction, where the system fails to properly validate input data before performing arithmetic operations. This allows attackers to manipulate the memory layout of the graphics framework, potentially enabling code execution or system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate system privileges to gain elevated access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1474 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. When exploited successfully, the integer overflow can corrupt memory structures within the Android graphics framework, leading to unpredictable behavior that may result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core graphics subsystem that handles multimedia operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various legitimate graphic processing pathways. Attackers can potentially leverage this vulnerability through malicious applications or compromised content that utilizes graphic buffer operations, bypassing standard security controls. The memory corruption resulting from this flaw can manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other memory management issues that may be exploited using techniques such as return-oriented programming or other advanced exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1474 should focus on input validation and bounds checking within the GraphicBuffer::unflatten function. System administrators should ensure that all Android devices are updated to versions that include patches addressing this vulnerability, particularly those released after the initial disclosure. The fix typically involves implementing proper integer overflow checks before performing arithmetic operations on file descriptor counts or integer values during the unflatten process. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect suspicious graphic buffer operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the use of address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigations can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include verification that the patched code properly validates all input parameters before processing, ensuring that integer operations remain within safe bounds. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in system-level components and demonstrates how seemingly benign operations can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking is absent.