CVE-2015-6610 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before 2015-11-01 allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted application, aka internal bug 23707088.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6610 resides within the libstagefright multimedia framework component of Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw that affected versions prior to Android 5.1.1 LMY48X and Android 6.0 before the 2015-11-01 security patch release. This vulnerability specifically targets the stagefright multimedia processing library which handles various media file formats including mp4, 3gp, and other container formats that are commonly encountered when processing multimedia content in mobile devices. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges or cause system crashes through the manipulation of specially crafted media files that are processed by the vulnerable library. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low level within the Android system architecture, allowing for privilege escalation that could result in complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management and input validation within the libstagefright library's parsing routines. Specifically, the flaw manifests when processing malformed or crafted media files that contain maliciously constructed data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of media headers and metadata. Attackers can exploit this by creating specially crafted media files that trigger memory corruption during the parsing process, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the system process handling the media file. The attack vector typically involves delivering the malicious media file through various channels such as MMS messages, email attachments, or web downloads that are processed by the vulnerable Android system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6610 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1068 for locally executed malicious code. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain root privileges on affected devices, enabling them to install malicious applications, access all user data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Android devices since libstagefright is a fundamental component used across various Android versions and device manufacturers, making it an attractive target for widespread exploitation campaigns. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability can also lead to unpredictable system behavior and crashes, which may be exploited for denial of service attacks against specific targets or for broader network disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6610 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management procedures that align with the Android security model. Organizations and users should prioritize installing the relevant security patches released by Google and device manufacturers, particularly those addressing the November 2015 security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media file attachments, disabling automatic media processing in email clients, and employing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and memory management procedures. Security professionals should also monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement proper application sandboxing to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely patch management and the risks associated with legacy system components that may contain unaddressed security flaws.