CVE-2015-1528 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the native_handle_create function in libcutils/native_handle.c in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48M allows attackers to obtain a different application's privileges or cause a denial of service (Binder heap memory corruption) via a crafted application, aka internal bug 19334482.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1528 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Android operating system's native handling mechanisms. This issue resides in the libcutils/native_handle.c file, specifically within the native_handle_create function that manages binder driver interactions for inter-process communication. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate integer values in a manner that can lead to memory corruption and privilege escalation. According to the Android security advisory, this vulnerability affects versions prior to Android 5.1.1 LMY48M, making it particularly concerning for older Android deployments that remain in use within enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during integer arithmetic operations within the native_handle_create function. When processing crafted malicious input from applications, the function fails to validate that integer calculations remain within acceptable ranges, leading to overflow conditions. This overflow directly impacts the binder heap memory management system, which serves as the foundation for Android's inter-process communication framework. The flaw operates at the system level, leveraging the underlying binder driver mechanisms that facilitate communication between different applications and system services. Attackers can exploit this condition by crafting malicious applications that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially allowing them to manipulate memory layouts and access resources they should not be authorized to reach.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1528 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass significant security risks including privilege escalation and potential data compromise. When the integer overflow occurs, it can corrupt the binder heap memory structures that manage the communication channels between applications and system services. This memory corruption can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive application data, system resources, or even escalate to full system control. The vulnerability's classification as an internal bug (19334482) indicates its severity within Google's internal tracking systems and suggests it was considered a high-risk issue requiring immediate attention. The impact is particularly severe because it operates at the kernel level within the binder subsystem, which is fundamental to Android's security model and application isolation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Android 5.1.1 LMY48M or later versions where the integer overflow has been patched. Organizations should prioritize deployment of security patches across all affected Android devices, particularly those running older versions that may be in production environments. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring to detect suspicious application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts can provide early warning capabilities. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Android device management systems to identify any devices running vulnerable versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a typical example of how improper input validation in system-level code can create severe security implications. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges, as the vulnerability enables attackers to escalate their privileges within the Android security framework through memory corruption attacks.