CVE-2015-8890 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
platform/msm_shared/partition_parser.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) devices does not validate certain GUID Partition Table (GPT) data, which allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted MultiMediaCard (MMC), aka Android internal bug 28822878 and Qualcomm internal bug CR823461.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-8890 represents a critical security flaw in the Qualcomm components of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices released before the 2016-07-05 security update. This issue resides within the platform/msm_shared/partition_parser.c file, which is part of the Android system's handling of storage partitioning mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of GUID Partition Table (GPT) data structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate storage access controls. The flaw specifically impacts devices that utilize Qualcomm's MSM (Mobile Station Modem) shared components, which are integral to the hardware abstraction layer of these Android devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure to properly validate GPT data structures during the partition parsing process. When an attacker inserts a specially crafted MultiMediaCard (MMC) into the affected device, the system's partition parser accepts malformed GPT entries without sufficient verification. This allows unauthorized access to storage partitions that should normally be restricted, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where storage partitioning controls are enforced, enabling potential attackers to access sensitive data or system components that should remain protected. The flaw creates a persistent access vector that can be exploited through physical access to the device or by inserting malicious storage media.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access restrictions, as it fundamentally undermines the storage partitioning security model implemented by Android on these specific devices. Attackers can potentially access system partitions containing sensitive information, modify critical system files, or even install malicious software that operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects devices that were already vulnerable due to their age and the specific Qualcomm components they utilized, making the exploitation more straightforward since these devices were not receiving the latest security patches. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, extract confidential data, or establish persistent backdoors on the affected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8890 focus primarily on applying the appropriate security updates released by Google and Qualcomm, which include patches to the partition parser component that enforce proper GPT data validation. Organizations and users should ensure their devices receive the Android security update released on 2016-07-05, which addresses this specific vulnerability by implementing proper validation of GPT structures. Additionally, security best practices recommend implementing physical security measures for devices in high-risk environments, as this vulnerability can be exploited through removable storage media. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of insufficient validation of external data inputs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through storage manipulation, as attackers can exploit the flawed partition handling to gain unauthorized access to restricted storage areas and potentially maintain access over time.