CVE-2015-1536 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Bitmap_createFromParcel function in core/jni/android/graphics/Bitmap.cpp in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48I allows attackers to cause a denial of service (system_server crash) or obtain sensitive system_server memory-content information via a crafted application that leverages improper unmarshalling of bitmaps, aka internal bug 19666945.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1536 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Android graphics subsystem that affects versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48I. This flaw exists within the Bitmap_createFromParcel function located in core/jni/android/graphics/Bitmap.cpp, which serves as a crucial component in the Android operating system's bitmap handling mechanism. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of bitmap dimensions during the unmarshalling process, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate input data to trigger unexpected behavior in the system server process. The integer overflow occurs when the system attempts to calculate memory requirements for bitmap creation based on malformed dimensions provided by a crafted application, leading to memory allocation errors that can compromise system stability and security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the Android system's marshalling and unmarshalling mechanisms for inter-process communication, specifically targeting the Android Runtime's handling of parcelable objects containing bitmap data. When a malicious application submits a specially crafted bitmap with manipulated width and height values, the integer overflow causes the system to allocate insufficient memory or attempt to allocate memory in an invalid range. This condition manifests as a system_server crash due to memory corruption or allows attackers to potentially read sensitive memory contents from the system_server process through information disclosure mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the JNI (Java Native Interface) level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass higher-level security controls and directly impact the core system components that manage graphics rendering and memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway to extract sensitive system information that could be used in subsequent attacks. The system_server process, which handles critical system operations including graphics management, is particularly vulnerable to this type of memory corruption attack. When the integer overflow occurs, it can result in unpredictable behavior ranging from immediate system crashes to more subtle memory leaks that could be exploited to gain insights into the system's memory layout. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how low-level memory management flaws in system components can create significant security risks, as the attack surface includes not just the immediate denial of service but also potential information disclosure that could aid in more sophisticated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1536 focus primarily on updating to Android 5.1.1 LMY48I or later versions where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and memory allocation checks. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices within their environment receive timely security updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic results in values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it provides a foundation for more advanced exploitation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future, while monitoring for any suspicious activity related to graphics processing and system server behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.