CVE-2015-6575 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
SampleTable.cpp in libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48I does not properly consider integer promotion, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (integer overflow and memory corruption) via crafted atoms in MP4 data, aka internal bug 20139950, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1538. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-7915, CVE-2014-7916, and/or CVE-2014-7917.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6575 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the SampleTable.cpp component of libstagefright in Android systems prior to version 5.1.1 LMY48I. This flaw resides in the media processing framework that handles MP4 file parsing and playback, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks. The issue stems from improper handling of integer promotion during the processing of crafted atoms within MP4 data structures, creating a scenario where maliciously constructed media files could trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying memory management system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of MP4 atom structures, specifically targeting the way the SampleTable.cpp code processes integer values during parsing operations. When the system encounters specially crafted atom data, the integer promotion rules are not properly enforced, leading to situations where 32-bit integers can overflow into 64-bit representations without adequate bounds checking. This creates a memory corruption condition that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the media parsing layer, meaning that simply opening or playing a maliciously crafted MP4 file could trigger the exploit without user interaction.
This vulnerability represents a regression in security that emerged from an incomplete fix for previous related issues including CVE-2014-7915, CVE-2014-7916, and CVE-2014-7917, indicating a pattern of flawed security remediation efforts in the Android media processing stack. The integer overflow condition specifically affects the handling of sample table data within MP4 files, where the system attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes based on values extracted from the atom headers. When these values exceed the maximum representable integer values, the subsequent memory operations become unpredictable and potentially exploitable. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to include full system compromise, as demonstrated by the potential for remote code execution through carefully crafted memory corruption.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack surface is extensive given that MP4 files are ubiquitous across Android devices, making this a high-severity threat that could be exploited through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious media content. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Android versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction, and the exploitation chain is relatively straightforward for skilled attackers. The incomplete nature of the previous fixes suggests that additional security reviews of the libstagefright component are warranted to identify similar integer handling issues that could exist in other parts of the media processing pipeline.
The remediation strategy involves updating Android systems to version 5.1.1 LMY48I or later, which includes proper integer promotion handling and bounds checking for MP4 atom processing. Security teams should also implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious media file transfers, particularly those originating from untrusted sources. Additionally, device administrators should consider implementing mobile device management policies that restrict the automatic playback of media content and enforce regular security updates to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.