CVE-2015-9011 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-36714882.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9011 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's closed source kernel components that affect Android devices. This weakness resides in the Android kernel layer and specifically targets the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor family, which powers numerous Android smartphones and tablets worldwide. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the kernel's implementation of certain Qualcomm proprietary drivers and system calls. Security researchers have identified that this flaw allows malicious actors to escalate their privileges from a regular user context to kernel-level access, effectively bypassing the standard Android security model that separates user applications from system-level operations. The issue manifests when the kernel fails to properly validate parameters passed to specific system calls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-9011 typically involves crafting malicious system calls or exploiting race conditions within the Qualcomm kernel drivers that handle hardware-specific operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational Android kernel components that manage hardware abstraction layers, device drivers, and system-level resource access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the device's hardware and software environment. This flaw is categorized under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on inadequate access control mechanisms within kernel space operations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors in Android devices, making millions of smartphones and tablets potentially vulnerable to exploitation.
From an operational perspective, the implications of CVE-2015-9011 extend beyond individual device compromise to encompass broader security ecosystem risks. Once exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard Android security measures including SELinux policies, application sandboxing, and other runtime protections. The attack surface is particularly broad as it affects not just the device's operating system but also the underlying hardware security features that Qualcomm implements in their processors. Security professionals have documented that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised software updates, or even physical access attacks on vulnerable devices. The exploitation typically requires minimal user interaction and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1547, covering registry and kernel module manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9011 primarily focus on patching the affected Qualcomm kernel components through official Android security updates. Device manufacturers and carriers must expedite the deployment of security patches that address the specific kernel-level flaws in Qualcomm's closed source drivers. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates from their manufacturers, as many of these patches require kernel-level modifications that cannot be implemented through standard application updates. System administrators and security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and establish device enrollment programs to track and update vulnerable devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of supply chain security and the risks associated with proprietary closed source components in mobile operating systems. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls including device encryption, application whitelisting, and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of device firmware and kernel components are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other proprietary hardware drivers. The remediation process requires coordination between multiple stakeholders including device manufacturers, mobile carriers, and Android platform developers to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar kernel-level exploits.