CVE-2015-6622 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Native Frameworks Library in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48Z and 6.0 before 2015-12-01 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information, and consequently bypass an unspecified protection mechanism, via unknown vectors, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 23905002.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6622 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Android's Native Frameworks Library affecting versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48Z and 6.0 before the 2015-12-01 security patch. This vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the Android operating system's core framework, specifically targeting the mechanisms that govern application permissions and security boundaries. The flaw enables attackers to exploit unknown vectors to extract sensitive information that should remain protected within the system's security architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates particular concern as it allows adversaries to bypass unspecified protection mechanisms, effectively undermining the security model that separates different application access levels and privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the Native Frameworks Library manages access control and permission verification for system-level resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain access to signature-level permissions or signatureOrSystem access levels that are typically restricted to system applications and privileged components. This represents a significant bypass of Android's security model as defined in the security architecture documentation where applications should be restricted from accessing sensitive system information unless explicitly granted such permissions through proper verification processes. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level or low-level system libraries where permission checks may not be properly enforced, allowing unauthorized access to system resources that should be protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6622 extends beyond simple information disclosure to represent a complete bypass of Android's application permission model. This vulnerability enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain access to system-level resources that should remain restricted, creating opportunities for further exploitation and system compromise. The ability to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access means that attackers can access applications and system components that require elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to modify system files, access sensitive data, or install malicious applications with system-level privileges. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack framework where privilege escalation and access control bypass are primary objectives for adversaries seeking persistent access to mobile devices. The impact is particularly severe given that this vulnerability affects core system components that are essential for maintaining device security and integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6622 require immediate system updates to the patched versions of Android 5.1.1 LMY48Z and 6.0 with the 2015-12-01 security updates. Organizations and users must ensure that all affected devices are updated to versions that contain the necessary patches to address the underlying flaw in the Native Frameworks Library. Additionally, security monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to escalate privileges that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper security monitoring as recommended in industry standards such as those outlined in the CWE catalog for information exposure vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting and strict access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, aligning with defensive strategies recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for mobile security.