CVE-2015-8074 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
mediaserver in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48X allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information, and consequently bypass an unspecified protection mechanism, via unknown vectors, aka internal bugs 23540907 and 23515142, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6611.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8074 affects the mediaserver component in Android versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY48X, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive information and circumvent unspecified protection mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests through unknown vectors that exploit internal bugs numbered 23540907 and 23515142, distinguishing it from similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-6611. The mediaserver service in Android systems handles multimedia processing and playback functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise device security and access protected data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the mediaserver's handling of multimedia data processing, where insufficient input validation or improper access controls allow unauthorized information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from the system, potentially including user credentials, personal information, or other protected content that should remain isolated from external access. The unspecified protection mechanism that is bypassed likely involves Android's security model or sandboxing features that normally isolate media processing from other system components. This flaw operates at the system level rather than through user-facing applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring user interaction or specific privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8074 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for further exploitation and system compromise. Remote attackers can use the leaked information to conduct more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to full system compromise or unauthorized access to user accounts and data. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions before 5.1.1, which represents a significant portion of the Android user base at the time of discovery, making it a widespread concern for organizations and individuals. The nature of the flaw suggests that it may enable attackers to bypass security boundaries that normally protect sensitive system resources and user data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating affected Android devices to version 5.1.1 or later, which includes patches addressing the specific mediaserver flaws. System administrators should prioritize deployment of security updates across all managed devices, particularly those handling sensitive information or operating in high-risk environments. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider additional security measures such as network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and may relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation or information gathering, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date system security patches.