CVE-2015-9014 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm closed source components. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-36393750.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9014 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's closed source components that affect the Android kernel. This issue resides in the proprietary Qualcomm software stack that interfaces with the Android operating system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel space components where Qualcomm implements proprietary drivers and system services that interact with the core Android kernel. Such a flaw is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the closed source Qualcomm components and the Android kernel, allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls and privilege management within the Qualcomm closed source drivers that operate in kernel space. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain root-level access to devices running affected Android versions, effectively bypassing the standard Android security model that separates user applications from system services. The flaw typically manifests through crafted system calls or improper validation of input parameters that are processed by the Qualcomm proprietary components. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which deals with improper privilege management, and specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges. The root cause often involves insufficient validation of kernel-level operations that should only be accessible to the system or trusted components.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9014 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected devices. Once exploited, adversaries can access all device data, install malicious applications, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects a significant portion of Android devices that utilize Qualcomm chipsets, particularly those running Android versions where the kernel components have not been patched. The closed source nature of the affected Qualcomm components makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous because traditional security analysis methods may not fully reveal the extent of the flaw, and patching requires coordination between Qualcomm and device manufacturers. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, data theft, and potential use in botnet creation for larger-scale attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9014 primarily focus on timely patching of affected systems and implementation of additional security controls. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the Qualcomm closed source components, though this process can be complex due to the proprietary nature of the affected code. Network administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and ensure that devices are running the latest security patches from both Google and Qualcomm. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining visibility into closed source components within mobile operating systems, as these often represent significant attack surfaces that are difficult to analyze through traditional means. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is essential that security teams maintain awareness of patch availability from both Android security updates and Qualcomm security advisories to effectively protect their device fleets.