CVE-2015-9013 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-36393251.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9013 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's closed source components that specifically affects the Android kernel implementation. This vulnerability resides in the proprietary Qualcomm driver code that interfaces with the Android operating system's kernel layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The issue stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the kernel module responsible for handling Qualcomm-specific hardware functionalities, particularly those related to device management and resource allocation. The vulnerability affects Android versions that incorporate Qualcomm's proprietary kernel components, making it a widespread concern across numerous Android devices manufactured by various OEMs that utilize Qualcomm chipsets.
The technical flaw manifests through a privilege escalation mechanism that exploits a race condition or improper access control within the Qualcomm closed source kernel driver. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting specific malicious inputs or exploiting existing kernel interfaces that fail to properly validate user-supplied data before granting elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires an attacker to first gain a low-privilege shell or user-level access on the target device, after which the flaw allows them to escalate to root privileges without proper authentication or authorization checks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. The underlying issue often involves insufficient kernel-level checks on device file operations or ioctl commands that should normally require system-level permissions but are accessible through the vulnerable component.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9013 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to gain complete system control over affected devices without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive device data, including personal information, communication records, and cryptographic keys stored within the device's secure elements. The vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent backdoor installation, enabling long-term surveillance capabilities that can remain undetected by standard security monitoring tools. Additionally, the exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, enabling attackers to modify system files, install malicious applications, or even brick the device permanently. The closed source nature of the Qualcomm components makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it limits the ability of security researchers and device manufacturers to fully understand and patch the flaw, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to develop and deploy exploits before patches are released.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9013 primarily focus on timely patch deployment and system hardening measures. Device manufacturers should prioritize the immediate rollout of security updates that address the specific Qualcomm kernel component vulnerabilities, as these patches typically involve modifications to access control mechanisms and input validation routines within the proprietary driver code. System administrators and security teams should implement network-based monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual privilege escalation activities or unauthorized access to device management interfaces. The vulnerability's impact can be reduced through proper device configuration management, including disabling unnecessary device drivers and limiting user access to system resources. Security researchers should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and block exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis of kernel module interactions, as the closed source nature of the components makes traditional signature-based detection methods less effective. Organizations should maintain comprehensive incident response plans that include device forensics procedures to investigate potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper containment measures are in place to prevent lateral movement within network environments.