CVE-2015-6606 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Secure Element Evaluation Kit (aka SEEK or SmartCard API) plugin in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48T allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 22301786.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6606 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Android's Secure Element Evaluation Kit implementation, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48T. This issue resides in the SmartCard API plugin component that facilitates communication between applications and secure elements within Android devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's handling of privileged operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a malicious application that leverages the flawed plugin to escalate privileges beyond normal application boundaries. The flaw enables unauthorized access to system-level permissions that should be restricted to trusted system components, specifically allowing attackers to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels that provide extensive system control capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper access control issue that aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms in software systems. The flaw occurs within the Android framework's privilege management system where the Secure Element Evaluation Kit plugin fails to properly validate the identity and permissions of applications attempting to access secure element functionalities. This allows malicious applications to bypass normal security boundaries and escalate their privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of system calls and API interactions that should require elevated permissions, but instead accepts requests from untrusted applications without proper authentication or authorization checks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for Android devices running affected versions, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions that could lead to complete device compromise. The ability to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels means attackers can install malicious applications with system-level privileges, modify system files, access protected data, and potentially escalate to root access. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Android devices may be used for sensitive operations, as it allows attackers to bypass application sandboxing mechanisms that are fundamental to Android's security model. The exploitation capability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full device takeover and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6606 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management to address the underlying vulnerability in the Secure Element Evaluation Kit plugin. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to version 5.1.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and access control improvements. Additionally, security administrators should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual API calls to secure element components. The implementation of application whitelisting policies and enhanced mobile device management controls can help prevent unauthorized applications from accessing privileged system functions. This vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper code review and security testing for system-level components, particularly those handling sensitive access control functions, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques that emphasize the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights.