CVE-2015-6598 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48T allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted media file, aka internal bug 23306638.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6598 resides within the libstagefright media processing library component of Android operating systems prior to version 5.1.1 LMY48T. This critical security flaw affects the multimedia framework that handles various audio and video file formats, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the media parser implementation, specifically when processing crafted media files that contain malformed data structures. The affected system components include the Android Media Framework and its underlying stagefright library that processes media content for playback and storage operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory corruption issue that occurs during the parsing of malformed media files through the libstagefright library. Attackers can craft specially designed media files containing malicious data sequences that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the memory management routines of the stagefright component. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the media processing service or cause a denial of service condition that crashes the affected application or system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the parsing of various media formats including mp4, 3gp, and other container formats that utilize the stagefright framework for processing. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android multimedia subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or media file transfers.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6598 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for Android devices and enterprise environments. This vulnerability was particularly concerning because it allowed attackers to compromise devices without user interaction, enabling automatic exploitation through malicious media content delivered via email, web pages, or file transfers. The memory corruption vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain persistent access to devices, extract sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. Organizations using affected Android versions faced substantial risk as the vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild, with threat actors developing automated tools to scan for and exploit vulnerable devices. The impact was further amplified by the widespread adoption of Android devices and the library's integration into core system functions, making it a critical security concern for both individual users and enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6598 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security measures. The most effective remediation involves applying the official Android security patches released by Google for versions 5.1.1 LMY48T and later, which address the memory corruption issues within libstagefright. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices are updated promptly, particularly those in enterprise environments where device management capabilities exist. Additional defensive measures include network-based filtering to block suspicious media file downloads, implementing mobile device management solutions to monitor and control media content, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation and implement monitoring for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories, and represents a typical attack pattern categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Control through the use of compromised devices for further attacks. Organizations must also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any devices that may not have received the necessary updates and establish continuous monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.