CVE-2015-8594 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer over-read vulnerability exists in RFA-1x.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8594 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the RFA-1x component of Qualcomm's Android-based products. This issue affects all Qualcomm products utilizing the Linux kernel with Android releases from the Code-Aurora Forum, making it a widespread concern across numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the RFA-1x subsystem, which processes radio frequency signals for 1x cellular communications. This flaw specifically manifests when the system receives malformed or unexpected data packets during the processing of radio frequency signals, creating a scenario where the application reads memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability through carefully crafted malicious inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places it firmly within the CWE-125 category of out-of-bounds read conditions, where a program attempts to read memory locations beyond the boundaries of a buffer. The RFA-1x component operates at a low level within the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset architecture, handling critical radio communication protocols that form the foundation of cellular connectivity. This subsystem interfaces directly with the Linux kernel's networking stack and operates with elevated privileges, making the potential attack surface particularly dangerous. The buffer over-read occurs during the processing of 1x radio frequency data packets, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously constructed data to cause the system to access memory locations that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device, potentially enabling remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8594 extends across multiple attack vectors and threat models, with implications for both individual device security and broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially enabling them to extract confidential information, modify system behavior, or establish persistent backdoors within affected devices. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, as the attacker could potentially gain elevated system privileges through the exploitation of the buffer over-read. The widespread nature of affected Qualcomm products means that numerous smartphone models, tablets, and IoT devices could be compromised, creating a significant risk for organizations and individuals relying on these platforms for secure communications. The vulnerability's location within the radio frequency processing stack also means that it could potentially be used to disrupt cellular communications or enable man-in-the-middle attacks against network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8594 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. Organizations should prioritize applying available security patches from Qualcomm and their respective vendors, as these updates typically include bounds checking modifications and memory protection enhancements. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous radio frequency traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which emphasize the critical need for proper input validation and bounds checking. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of low-level system components, particularly those handling critical communications protocols, as recommended by the OWASP Secure Coding Practices. Organizations should implement regular security assessments of their mobile device management systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.