CVE-2015-8593 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in 1x call processing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8593 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Qualcomm's Android implementations that affects all products utilizing the Linux kernel through the Code Aurora Forum. This security weakness specifically targets the 1x call processing functionality, which serves as a fundamental component in cellular communication systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management practices during the handling of call-related data structures within the kernel space of Qualcomm's mobile platforms.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the system processes 1x call signaling information, which includes various parameters related to voice communication protocols. The flaw manifests when the kernel fails to properly bounds-check incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it may also exhibit characteristics of heap-based vulnerabilities depending on the specific implementation details. The attack vector typically involves triggering a malformed 1x call signaling message that causes the vulnerable code path to execute with insufficient memory boundary checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8593 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable remote code execution within the kernel context. This capability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm Snapdragon processors that implement Android operating systems through the Linux kernel, including devices from major manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, and Motorola. The attack surface is particularly concerning because 1x call processing is a core telecommunications function that operates continuously on mobile devices, making exploitation relatively easy and persistent. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement through compromised device networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8593 require immediate patch deployment through official firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm released security patches specifically addressing this issue in their kernel implementations. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous call signaling patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of kernel memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection features that can help prevent exploitation. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing call signaling filtering and monitoring to detect malformed 1x call messages that could indicate attempted exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing device functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against this buffer overflow vulnerability.