CVE-2015-6613 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Bluetooth in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before 2015-11-01 allows attackers to send commands to a debugging port, and consequently gain privileges, via a crafted application, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 24371736.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6613 represents a critical security flaw in Android's Bluetooth implementation that affected versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before the 2015-11-01 security patch. This vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth subsystem's handling of debugging commands and demonstrates how seemingly benign debugging interfaces can be exploited to achieve elevated privileges within the Android operating system. The flaw specifically allows attackers to send malicious commands to a debugging port through a crafted application, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that could result in obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of debugging commands within the Bluetooth stack, where attackers can craft malicious applications that communicate with exposed debugging interfaces. This exploitation pathway leverages the fact that certain debugging ports remain accessible even in production builds, creating an attack surface that wasn't properly secured. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control, as it represents an improper access control mechanism that allows unauthorized privilege escalation through debugging interfaces. The flaw essentially bypasses the normal Android security model by exploiting the debugging functionality that should only be available in development environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges that would normally require system-level access or specific signing keys. When successful, the exploitation allows attackers to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, which grants them the ability to install applications with system-level permissions, modify system files, and potentially access sensitive data that would normally be protected. This capability significantly undermines the Android security model and could enable full system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it can be exploited through a crafted application, meaning users could be compromised simply by installing what appears to be a legitimate application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the appropriate security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices are updated to versions 5.1.1 LMY48X or later, or 6.0 with the 2015-11-01 security patch, which properly addresses the debugging interface exposure. Additionally, security professionals should implement network monitoring to detect unusual Bluetooth activity and consider restricting Bluetooth functionality in enterprise environments where the risk is higher. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper interface hardening and access control mechanisms, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Android environments to identify and remediate similar exposure points, particularly focusing on debugging interfaces that may remain accessible in production builds.