CVE-2015-1539 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer underflows in the ESDS::parseESDescriptor function in ESDS.cpp in libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48I allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ESDS atoms, aka internal bug 20139950, a related issue to CVE-2015-4493.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1539 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within the libstagefright multimedia framework of Android operating systems. This issue specifically affects the ESDS::parseESDescriptor function in ESDS.cpp, which is responsible for parsing Elementary Stream Descriptor atoms within multimedia files. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling when processing crafted ESDS atoms, creating a condition where integer underflow can occur during the parsing process. Such underflows typically arise when a subtraction operation results in a value that cannot be represented within the allocated integer type, leading to unexpected behavior in memory management and control flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious ESDS atoms that trigger the integer underflow condition within the parseESDescriptor function. When the vulnerable code attempts to calculate buffer sizes or loop counters based on malformed input data, the underflow produces unexpectedly small or negative values that subsequently cause memory corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the multimedia parsing subsystem, which is frequently accessed when processing media files from untrusted sources such as email attachments, web content, or file downloads. The flaw affects Android versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48I, making it a widespread concern across numerous device models and deployment scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1539 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant vector for remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire Android devices. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to device resources, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or complete device takeover. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The issue is further compounded by its relationship to CVE-2015-4493, indicating a broader pattern of flaws within the stagefright multimedia framework that required extensive patching efforts across the Android ecosystem. Organizations and users must understand that this vulnerability represents a critical security gap in mobile device protection, particularly affecting devices that have not received timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1539 require immediate implementation of the Android security patches released in version 5.1.1 LMY48I and subsequent updates. Device administrators should prioritize updating all affected Android systems to ensure the patched libstagefright implementation properly validates input parameters and prevents integer underflow conditions. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level filtering to restrict media file downloads from untrusted sources, deploying mobile device management solutions with automatic update capabilities, and conducting regular security assessments of multimedia handling processes. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process must account for the fact that many devices may not receive updates due to manufacturer support cycles, requiring alternative security controls such as application sandboxing and network-based intrusion detection systems to provide layered protection against this class of vulnerability.