CVE-2015-9005 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In TrustZone in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an Integer Overflow to Buffer Overflow vulnerability could potentially exist.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9005 represents a critical security flaw within the TrustZone component of Android devices that utilize Qualcomm Chipsets and the Linux kernel. This issue stems from an integer overflow condition that can potentially lead to a buffer overflow scenario, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting mobile devices. The vulnerability affects all Android releases from Qualcomm Atheros (CAF) and is particularly concerning due to TrustZone's privileged position within the device security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests in the integer overflow condition that occurs when processing certain data structures within the TrustZone subsystem. When an integer value exceeds its maximum representable range, it wraps around to a much smaller value, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory boundaries. This overflow condition can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, ultimately leading to a buffer overflow that compromises the integrity of the secure execution environment. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Linux kernel implementations used by Qualcomm platforms, making it widespread across numerous Android devices that rely on these chipsets.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9005 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it undermines the fundamental security guarantees provided by TrustZone. Attackers can potentially leverage this vulnerability to bypass secure boot processes, modify trusted system components, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the secure world. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because TrustZone is designed to provide a secure execution environment for critical security functions, making any compromise of this subsystem a severe threat to device security. This vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code in the secure world, potentially leading to full device compromise and data theft.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9005 require a multi-layered approach focusing on both software updates and system hardening measures. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches that address the integer overflow condition in the kernel implementations. Organizations should implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 for code execution and T1543 for persistence mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls including memory protection mechanisms, stack canaries, and address space layout randomization to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of this vulnerability across deployed device fleets.