CVE-2015-8596 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, validation of buffer lengths is missing in malware protection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8596 represents a critical flaw in Qualcomm's Android-based products that utilize the Linux kernel through the Code Aurora Forum CAF framework. This issue stems from insufficient buffer length validation mechanisms within the malware protection subsystem, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise device security. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and their associated Android implementations, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these chipsets in mobile devices.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper input validation for buffer operations within the malware protection components of Qualcomm's security architecture. When malware protection mechanisms process data inputs, they fail to verify that the incoming data conforms to expected buffer size constraints before performing memory operations. This omission creates opportunities for buffer overflow conditions that could be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or disrupt normal system operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Linux kernel implementations used in Qualcomm's Android products, where the protection mechanisms lack adequate boundary checking routines.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to device users and organizations relying on Qualcomm-powered Android devices. Attackers could exploit the missing buffer validation to inject malicious code into the system, potentially gaining elevated privileges or executing unauthorized operations within the malware protection framework. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential widespread security degradation across networks of affected devices. Given that many enterprise and consumer devices utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, the operational implications could affect millions of users globally, particularly in environments where device security is paramount.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from device manufacturers, kernel-level patches where available, and enhanced monitoring for anomalous behavior in malware protection modules. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing device isolation measures and increased security scanning protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires coordination between Qualcomm, device manufacturers, and end users to ensure comprehensive protection across the affected product ecosystem.