CVE-2015-6624 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
System Server in Android 6.0 before 2015-12-01 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 23999740.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6624 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Android System Server component affecting Android 6.0 releases prior to the 2015-12-01 security patch. This vulnerability resides in the core system server process that manages fundamental Android system services and security policies, making it a prime target for attackers seeking elevated system privileges. The flaw specifically enables malicious applications to bypass normal access controls and obtain sensitive system-level permissions that should be restricted to system components only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of access control checks within the system server's permission handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a malicious application that leverages the flawed permission verification process to gain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access levels. These elevated permissions grant the malicious application the ability to access protected system resources, install or modify system applications, and potentially access sensitive user data that would normally be protected by Android's security model. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction or explicit consent.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for Android 6.0 devices that have not received the relevant security patch. The ability to obtain Signature or SignatureOrSystem access allows attackers to essentially gain root-level privileges on affected devices, enabling them to perform actions such as installing malicious system applications, modifying core system files, accessing encrypted data, and potentially establishing persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly violates Android's security model which relies on strict permission boundaries to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially enable large-scale attacks against users of affected Android versions, particularly in enterprise environments where device security is paramount.
Security mitigations for CVE-2015-6624 primarily involve applying the official Android security patch released on 2015-12-01, which addresses the underlying access control validation flaw in the system server. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected Android 6.0 devices and implement robust application vetting processes to prevent installation of untrusted applications that might exploit similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically concerning improper access control in system-level components, and represents a technique commonly associated with privilege escalation tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation category. Network security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to applications attempting to exploit this vulnerability, particularly those seeking unusual permission requests or system access patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts.